09/08/2014 Dnevni avaz

Dnevni avaz: Interview with HR Valentin Inzko

„When I spoke recently of this crossroads for BiH I meant that despite the current difficulties, there is also a choice to be made for the future of the country, a great opportunity.“ This is how High Representative Valentin Inzko, in an interview for Dnevni avaz, elaborated his recent statement on the margins of Bled conference.

„I mentioned in my interview also the role the 20th Anniversary of Dayton will have, the new governments in BiH after the elections, and the new EU Commission in Brussels“, recalled Inzko.

Dnevni avaz: Can you explain what these positive changes that are required for BiH are, and which direction is right for BiH to take in the future?

Valentin Inzko: To put it simply: BiH is lagging behind; not enough progress has been made during the last four years on the issues that matter to the citizens of this country. The elections in October are a chance to make a change in approach so that we start seeing far more impressive results when it comes to reforming the economy, job creation and fighting corruption, but equally important, progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. The question about which parties are ready to deliver such change is a choice for the voters to make.

Every single voter has a role to play and that is why I will be repeatedly calling for voters to get out and vote on 12 October. The changes we are looking for actually start during the election campaign, with a robust and open discussion on the steps that need to be taken to get the country back to work through job creation and back to making progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

We as an International Community are looking for credible and practical answers from candidates and political parties during this campaign on how they are going to deliver progres in these areas. I am sure that these are the answers that voters are also looking for.

Dnevni avaz: Why do you claim that BiH is at a crossroads?

Valentin Inzko: It is very simple: Bosnia-Herzegovina has a choice. The voters of this country have a choice. Either you get serious about delivering the positive changes that create jobs and prosperity while simultaneously taking you towards Euro-Atlantic integration or you continue as you are doing now.

I think it is clear what the choice is of the overwhelming majority of voters.

Voters who don’t vote are making a decision. Their decision is that they accept that others will make the decision about their future and the future of their children for them. That is the wrong approach! Take your future in your own hands and make it clear what kind of future you want for you and your children. Your vote is decisive in delivering a better future. With your participation and your vote on 12 October we can deliver real positive changes for the benefit of the ordinary, decent, tolerant and law abiding citizens that represent the overwhelming majority in this country. The power is in your hands on 12 October and I urge you to use it.

Dnevni avaz: How do you comment on the conclusions of the conference on Western Balkans, recently organised by Chancellor Angela Merkel, particularly in the part related to BiH?

Valentin Inzko: The conference represented an unequivocal signal of support for the full integration of the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, into the European Union. The message was you have a European perspective. You are welcome in Europe. But you also have to do your homework.

Two other strong messages were that cooperation should not only be regional, but also domestic, within the country, and that there should be zero tolerance for corruption.