Chairman of Council of Ministers of B-H in National Press Club in Washington

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H Dr. Nikola Špirić held a lecture at the National Press Club in Washington, where he addressed the current situation in B–H and region, as well as possibilities of further development of this part of Europe. 

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers especially underlined the importance of regional cooperation, pointing at different potentials of the Balkan region. “The progress of each country individually, as well as the region in a whole, is important for success and dynamics of further reforms, for economic progress and political enthusiasm.” All these factors in aggregate represent needed political force for changes, said Chairman Špirić.

He said that B-H has left behind itself a period full of challenges, during which it necessitated assistance and support from the international community. “Now we need the same international community to recognise that a large amount of mutual dependence has been created and that it is a time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to be allowed to move on independently”, said the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. He said that a compromise is not a concession to anyone, but rather a benefit for all, and that “the policy of negation must be left aside, as it is the only way to secure a better live for our citizens”.

The Chairman touched upon efforts by political parties’ leaders in B-H to form the government at the state level, and thereby solve the outstanding issues which are obstacles to more successful Euro-Atlantic integrations of our country. Despite futile attempts to–date, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H expressed his optimism that in times ahead, and through an intensified dialogue, a democratic solution will be found for to all challenges. “The optimism must come from within B-H, not from foreign sources”, Širić stressed.

Following his address to the audience, Chairman Špirić answered to a series of questions concerning asylum seekers from B-H, attitude of the youth towards B-H, war crime processing, and possibilities for B-H to develop as a widely decentralised country within the framework of the Dayton Agreement.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H also attended the working dinner, during which he discussed the current political situation in B-H and the region with representatives of the State Department, Pentagon and Heads of Missions of Balkan countries and European Union.

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