Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Angelina Eichhorst and the US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform in B&H, Matthew Palmer said in Sarajevo today that they are observing with concern the increase in tensions in recent weeks in B&H and that there is no more patience for further divisive rhetoric in the country.
- The time has come for a constructive action and I think that is the message we both bring. We are encouraged by the messages we have heard from all our interlocutors to work constructively in one framework in order to start negotiations in which we would deal with issues of discrimination, transparency, the electoral system, combating corruption within the electoral system. At the moment, we have a really great responsibility, but also the need for prompt action - said Eichhorst.
Over the past two days, she says, intensive discussions have been held with political leaders with the aim of finding a way out of the political crisis. Attempts have been made to find ways to bring together some ideas and suggestions.
- Attempts have been made to put on the table a framework around which, we hope, negotiations could begin in the future. I say this because it is very important to start negotiations. We work step by step and in a way that is transparent and inclusive. We want to ensure that everyone is involved in this process. Talks continue and the essence is to strengthen institutions at the B&H level. The citizens of this country must have confidence that the institutions are working for their benefit. We believe that the majority of citizens want B&H to become a member of the European Union - said Eichhorst.
The US Special Envoy for Electoral Reform in B&H Matthew Palmer said that the United States, without any doubt, strongly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of B&H.
- We have watched the increase of tensions in the past weeks very carefully and with concern, as well as the activities that led to the increase of those tensions. We are committed to doing everything we can to keep the situation from escalating and restore a sense of peace and a sense that there is a path to a more stable and prosperous future.
We are here to help B&H implement the key European Court rulings. We believe that it is possible to move forward and resolve the judgments of the European Court in a way that is in line with the Constitution of B&H. Tha means one country, two entities and three constituent peoples plus others. This process is not easy in finding an organic balance and equilibrium that can provide sufficient support, which can be adopted and put into action. This is a challenge - stated Palmer.
