Elizabeth Allen, undersecretary at the US State Department for Public Diplomacy, was in Bosnia and Herzegovina yesterday.
The Bosnian newspaper Oslobodjenje conducted an interview with him.
She spoke about secession threats, Russian influence, the rhetoric of entity leader Milorad Dodik…
Bosnia and Herzegovina is in a specific situation, the Russian embassy in Sarajevo publicly teaches us lessons about the evil West, but the problem is even greater because Dodik does not hide that Europe is not his choice, even though he attended the opening party of negotiations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union for three days: the question is how to get out of this vicious circle?
“When it comes to Dodik’s support for Putin, the US has always been very clear. The fact that he decorated it, that supports his rhetoric…, is unacceptable and we stand by that position. There is no greater threat than escalating rhetoric and threats of secession. We stand ready to hold accountable those who show intent against Dayton. We are here to support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their desire to realize their future in the European community,” says Allen.
For a long time, the entire Balkans, including Europe, has been waiting for the decision of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic – whether Serbia wants integration with the West or with Russia, and he is swinging very well.
“I am not speaking on behalf of Vucic, but I will note that the partnership with Russia cannot exist if at the same time it is claimed that you are a partner of the European Union. Serbia is a partner of the USA. We will encourage them to follow their path towards European integration”, she said.
