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US Vice President Urged Bosnia to Take the EU Path |
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Wednesday, 20 May 2009US Vice President Joe Biden concluded his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, transmitting clear and accurate messages from the US government regarding the latest tensions in the country between ethnic groups.
In his speech in Bosnia's Parliament, Biden referred to the declining solidarity in the country and the slowing pace of reforms through the EU process. Moreover, he urged the Bosnian government to get back in the EU path; otherwise he drew attention to the possible reviving of ethnic chaos which may lead to instability both in the country and the Balkans region.
"The door is open for the countries of this region for the first time in history to be an integral part of a free Europe. The US will help you walk through that door," said Biden, encouraging Bosnia's EU bids. Pointing out the possible consequences of taking an alternative way, he continued, "Failure to do so [follow the EU path] will ensure you remain among the poorest countries in Europe. At worst, you'll descend into ethnic chaos that defined your country for the better part of a decade."
Bosnia and the EU signed a pre-accession agreement last year and the small Balkan country is expected to be admitted to the Union by 2015. However, the current ethnic tensions between Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croatians raise concerns about the future of EU negotiations. The central institutions are still weak and the crucial EU reforms have been undertaken too slowly.
By Ceren Mutus (JTW)
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Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Journal of Turkish Weekly
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MOST VISITED NEWS (DAILY) |
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