Ambassador Bond in farewell meeting with Nikola Spiric

Ambassador Clifford Bond, the High Representative’s Envoy for Srebrenica, today paid a farewell visit to the Chair of the BiH Council of Ministers Nikola Spiric.

The Ambassador stressed that Srebrenica’s future can be best secured through economic development.

He thanked the Council of Ministers for their past support of Srebrenica. He indicated that, as funds already dedicated are effectively spent by the municipality, the Council of Ministers consider additional investment.

“Private investments and job creation are also instrumental for Srebrenica’s economic recovery and the sustainability of return”, he said. International donors must also continue to coordinate their assistance efforts and ensure that their programs have a visible impact by addressing key priorities of the local community.

“Srebrenica’s future also depends on the provision of justice. The failure to apprehend Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic and the late start in investigating persons on the so-called ‘Srebrenica List’ will continue to hamper efforts at reconciliation in BiH and especially the Srebrenica region”, the Ambassador said. “This is why BiH needs an effective National War Crimes Strategy that sets clear standards and priorities for investigating and prosecuting all war crimes.”

Ambassador Bond thanked the Council of Ministers for their effective cooperation during his mandate as High Representative’s Envoy for Srebrenica.