The United States strongly supports BiH’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, including sanctions, to defend our interests by holding accountable those who engage in anti-Dayton, corrupt, or anti-democratic activities, including Mr. Dodik and his enablers. Those activities only hurt the citizens of BIH, including the residents of Republika Srpska, and they should stop. Those involved in them will be subject to sanctions, as will anyone who provides material support to them. Ambassador Murphy represents the United States Government, and he and his team in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar are executing U.S. foreign policy and defending U.S. interests in BiH. Our Embassy has explained the risks of sanctions to all concerned, and – as I said recently — we “do the same thing in countries worldwide.” All U.S. officials will continue making these points.
