Unfortunately, however, I suspect
that many BiH citizens will look back on 2012 with dissatisfaction, at least
politically speaking. To a significant degree, the past year was a period of
missed opportunities that slowed this country down on the road to prosperity,
security and full Euro-Atlantic integration.
As for 2013, I choose to be
optimistic. The region is moving forward. Croatia will join the EU in 2013. Montenegro
initiated negotiations for membership in the EU, and Serbia achieved candidate
status. In 2013, opportunities will remain for BiH to move ahead in the same
direction as its neighbors. The International Community will do everything in
its power to help you take advantage of these opportunities.
For instance, in addition to your
prospects for movement toward the EU, you have a standing offer related to
NATO. There is no good reason now for not moving ahead.
We also hope your leaders will
show the wisdom to end the stalemate in Mostar. OHR was closely involved this
year in a concerted effort to end the administrative paralysis in Mostar and we
will continue to work with all stakeholders to achieve a breakthrough. For this
effort to succeed, the parties must reach agreement on a fair compromise that
benefits all the city’s residents.
In the Federation, your leaders
need to stop squabbling and instead focus on economic priorities and fighting
crime and corruption, among other priorities.
In the RS, while the entity
basically functioned well, some Banja Luka based politicians need to stop
wasting time on anti-state initiatives that distract attention from other more
pressing needs, such as creating jobs. As parties move to implement their new
partnership agreements in 2013 they will need to preserve the reforms already
achieved and honor their international commitments.
Clearly, there is work to be done
in 2013. It will only be done successfully if the parties focus on resolving
the problems that citizens face.
I believe real progress can be
made in the coming year. The International Community is committed to helping
the four million citizens of this country get the benefits they deserve from
the opportunities that await them. Citizens don’t want more rhetoric and more
deadlock: they want constructive policies and practical solutions. I believe
that, despite the disappointments of 2012, political leaders can deliver this
in 2013.
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