SARAJEVO, September 3 (FENA) - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared a farewell reception for Ambassador Bruce Berton last night in Sarajevo.
In his speech, Berton stated that these past four years in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been the most enjoyable experience of his professional life, although he has served in a "very complex country" in which even after that period, the developments seem confusing.
Berton said the OSCE is doing everything it can to move BiH forward, and that the situation is improving when it comes to consensus in the international community.
He expressed his appreciation to the officials, the OSCE Mission whose staff is doing a fantastic job, and the OSCE Mission's partners.
Berton's deputy Alexander Chuplygin said that Mission representatives were surprised to receive news of Berton's departure, as well as of leaving the State Department, which Chuplygin personally disagrees with.
He considers Berton to be a unique leader in the OSCE Mission, moreover, in difficult circumstances, he has been able to reach agreements with a number of OSCE partners.
Many guests, representatives of institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international community, diplomatic corps, media associations and other public figures attended the reception.
Secretary-General of the Association of BiH Journalists Fedžad Forto handed over a replica of the Sarajevo Haggadah and a book about the Haggadah to Berton.
Ambassador Bruce Berton has recently stated that he is leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina with mixed feelings because he has started to love the country, as well as its people.
At the same time, the US diplomat announced that he is entering a new phase of life, retiring from the State Department.
(FENA) A. B.