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SARAJEVO, September 16 (FENA) - Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Bosnia and Herzegovina Matthew Field has urged BiH citizens to take part in the General Elections in October this year because those who vote get to decide, pointing out that it is necessary to vote for those who will build the country to suit the best interests of their children.
In an interview with FENA, he said that a large number of reforms are to be implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the next four years, but, above all, there is the issue of political will and putting citizens is at the forefront, and at the same time he is surprised by the fact that the electoral campaign offers very little concrete details, little vision for the future and very little focus on improving the lives of citizens.
“I would like the new administrations to make clear and specific commitments, such as bringing the country closer to the EU, deepening NATO relations and working for the benefit of their citizens, because this would mean more real progress,” said Field.
The new Ambassador of the United Kingdom has worked for years in the Western Balkan countries and has witnessed various events, and on the regional level there have been important positive changes, most of them under the auspices of the EU and NATO, such as the progress between Skopje and Athens, which shows that anything is possible if politicians are ready to risk in the best interest of those who elect them.
He witnessed the renewal of interest for this region coming from all over Europe, including the adoption of a new European Commission strategy, adding that the commitment of London, Brussels, Washington, Berlin, and many other centers has never been stronger and Field believes that BiH leaders, especially those who will be forming new governments, should show the same amount of good will.
The newly appointed Ambassador Field also spoke about the priorities he will advocate, which is a stable and prosperous BiH and its progress on the Euro-Atlantic path, which, as he reminded, are unchanged priorities of his country's government.
He pointed out that it is in the United Kingdom's interest for BiH to meet its potential, and the United Kingdom will focus its project activities on helping the responsible leaders of this country to act in the interests of the citizens, which implies support for the economy in order to open more and better jobs, judicial institutions in strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption and public administration reform to offer citizens better health and education.
“These priorities and interests are common to all citizens in BiH. Wherever I go and with whomever, I talk to, everyone tells me that these are the most important issues,” added the British ambassador.
Four years have passed since the British-German initiative has successfully brought back the focus on citizens and their needs and helped re-launch the process of joining the European Union, reforming the labor law, banking sector and sustainability of the pension system, and the ambassador emphasizes that after the elections next month, a renewed political commitment to reforms will be needed to move this country forward.
Talking about bilateral relations between the two countries, Field underlined that the countries are partners facing the same challenges, having the same hopes and goals, but says that interpersonal relationships are becoming more frequent wider and more productive.
“I would like there to be more cooperation between our private sectors, especially between young people and between entrepreneurs, as well as having more visitors from one country to another, and re-establishing direct flights, and finding areas outside of our countries where we can work as we do with peacekeeping missions, academic exchanges and partnerships between civil society and the media,” he said.
He expressed hope that everyone understands that Brexit means not less but more presence of the United Kingdom in BiH, recalling that they have increased their engagement in BiH and announced that they will continue to do so through practical support programs, adding that the United Kingdom seriously understands its obligations resulting from the Dayton Peace Agreement.
“The Summit on the Western Balkans in London was in itself a powerful message on the United Kingdom's long-term commitment to this region,” stressed Field. explained.
He reminded that Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May announced a doubling of support to the entire region, amounting to £ 80 million a year, but it is not just monetary value, but also the quality and extent of engagement and said that support will be directed where it is of utmost importance for the lives of citizens, helping the growth of the economy and improving the rule of law, while reducing the space for corruption and political interference.
Field particularly noted that he was proud that the UK has secured 10 million pounds for a project to introduce new digital technologies to every school in the Western Balkans, and thus prepare children for the future.
"I am truly aware of the dramatic outbreak of brain drain that affects this country and the fact that it is not just economic reasons that cause this phenomenon. It is also about losing hope for a better future for themselves and their children.
Nationalist rhetoric and rhetoric of division in the election campaign will only worsen things. That is very obvious. We will work with all those who are determined to make this country desirable for your smartest and the best,” concluded Field.
(FENA) S. R.
