Wagner, Wild Introduce Bill to Deter Destabilizing Actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Washington, D.C.  – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) released the following statement after they introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act.  This legislation will send a clear deterrent signal before Bosnia’s October elections.

Rep. Wagner: “The destabilizing and anti-democratic behavior of some officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Russia’s destructive influence threaten to undermine the legacy of U.S. leadership in brokering the Dayton Peace Agreement and supporting the country’s stability. By mandating sanctions to address the political crisis and corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this bill makes clear to internal and external bad actors that they will be held accountable for threatening peace and stability in the country. We have a strong Bosnian community in St. Louis, and, following conversations with local advocates, I know how vital it is we use our sanctions authority to prevent Bosnia from being seriously destabilized.  Ahead of the October elections, this message could not be more critical.”

Rep. Wild: “It is crucial that the United States support the efforts of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect their hard-won peace and build a unified, stronger, and more representative democracy. Among other critical provisions, this bill calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which require an end to the ethnic and religious requirements on holding high-ranking political office—requirements that have unacceptably disenfranchised far too many members of the population. This bill’s constructive approach can help bring about greater opportunity, inclusion, and stability throughout the region, now and for generations to come.”

Background:

• States that it is the policy of the United States to support a unified, sovereign, and multiethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina; support progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration; use sanctions against those who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement and Bosnian democracy; and expose Russia’s role in fueling instability in Bosnia and imperiling the Office of the High Representative and EU peacekeeping presence in Bosnia
• Mandates sanctions on foreign persons who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement or otherwise threaten the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Requires regular reporting to establish strong Congressional oversight over the Administration’s use of sanctions to hold accountable internal and external actors undermining stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina