Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at IGES 2023 conference – “Strategic Partnership B&H – EuroAtlantic World”

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow speakers, and representatives of the diplomatic corps.  Thank you to the organizers of this event for this opportunity to speak to you about the relationship between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Let me start by making a few observations specific to Bosnia and Herzegovina before …

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Ambassador Murphy Remarks at the Mine Detection Dog Center’s 20th Anniversary

Dear MDDC friends, distinguished colleagues, Minister Bosnjak, Ambassador Fitchen, Mayor Karic, I am very pleased to be here tonight to mark the Mine Detection Dog Center’s 20th anniversary. As some of you may know, the United States helped establish the Mine Detection Dog Center for Southeast Europe in 2003, right here in Bosnia and Herzegovina …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at USAID Local Governance Assistance Activity Launch

Good morning.  Thank you to everyone for being here today, especially the mayors for demonstrating your commitment to putting your citizens first.  Your presence and partnership are an example for all government officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have the honor of launching the U.S. government’s new Local Governance Assistance Activity.  This project will invest …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at the Balkan Media Assistance Program Forward Annual Media Forum

Good morning.  I would like to welcome to Sarajevo our partners and the journalists from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as from Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, who have traveled here for the BMAP Forward Annual Media Forum. The United States supports freedom of speech, freedom of press, and independent media around …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks – 100 Days Since Passage of New Anti-Corruption Law

Good morning.  It is an honor to be able to join the head of the Sarajevo Anti-Corruption Office, Dr. Erduan Kafedzic, and Ambassador Reilly and Ambassador Sattler, to mark 100 days since the Sarajevo Law on Prevention and Suppression of Corruption went into effect. It is nothing new for me to stand on a stage …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at the Regional Transnational Organized Crime Conference

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Sarajevo once again.  Thank you for being here.  Yesterday was the casual reception, where I hope you established new relationships with regional, U.S., and international  counterparts, or perhaps renewed old ones.  Today, we get down to business. We are here today to find ways to support one …

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Deputy Chief of Mission Mennuti’s remarks at the Anti-Corruption and Quality Control Conference

It’s an honor to be with you today for the release of a video that will show what can happen when officials disregard regulations and a lack of oversight leads to environmental degradation.  The video raises important questions about how permits are approved and why environmental standards that are supposed to protect citizens are so …

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Ambassador Murphy Speaks at the AmCham-sponsored Public-Private Dialogue Event

Good morning. Thank you, Nedim, for the introduction, and thank you, AmCham BiH, for organizing the first of what I hope will become a series of robust, regular, and ongoing dialogues between private sector leaders and public officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina.   Dialogue between the public and private sectors is essential to accelerating the economic …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at the Exhibition “There is Light Even in the Darkest Times”

Good afternoon, distinguished guests, representatives of the media and the diplomatic corps.  I would like to thank the organizers for inviting me to speak at this solemn, yet inspiring event. Today marks one year since Russia launched its brutal, unprovoked, and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  Russia’s horrifying violence has killed thousands.  It is a …

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New U.S. government project to help BiH citizens living abroad connect with their homeland and invest in BiH’s future

Good morning.  It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today to launch the United States’ Diaspora Invest Project. I would like to extend a warm welcome to members of the diaspora from Bosnia and Herzegovina who are with us today and others joining us virtually from across the globe. The diaspora is …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at the BiH National Museum’s AFCP Closing Ceremony

I am delighted to be here today to mark the closing of a seven-year conservation and renovation project at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, funded in part by two large grants totaling over $1 million from the United States’ Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (or AFCP). Since 2001, the United States, through the …

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Every Day in BiH Must Be Anti-Corruption Day

Hotel Europe, Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 9:45 am   Thank you, Transparency International BiH, for the invitation to speak to you all on International Anti-Corruption Day.  Since my arrival in February of this year, I have talked candidly and frequently about the negative impacts – on almost every aspect of society – of this …

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Day of the Armed Forces of BiH – AMB Murphy’s Video Message

December 1, 2022   Since its formation, the Armed Forces of BiH has served with distinction and honor at home and abroad.  Its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations across Africa solidified its reputation as a professional military capable of operating in complex environments.  The Armed Forces of BiH represent the best of the people …

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Valuable donation to the BiH’s State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)

Today, the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Officer Nicholas Pietrowicz presented $186,000 of computer software and equipment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA). SIPA Director Darko Culum accepted the donation at SIPA headquarters. This U.S. government donation will improve the capacity of SIPA’s Digital Forensic Unit and Counter Terrorism Unit to rapidly extract and …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at Journalism Academy Award Ceremony

Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank you for your warm welcome.  It is an honor to be here for today’s Journalism Academy Award Ceremony. I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations not only to those who received awards today, but to all of you participating in this program.  I am looking forward to our discussion later, so …

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BiH Heroes of the Month Nominees for September – Nada Golubović, Gorica Ivić, Amela Bašić Tomić and Aleksandra Petrić

We are proud to name the leadership of United Women Banja Luka as the U.S. Embassy’s Heroes of the Month.  We salute the bravery of Aleksandra, Amela, Gorica, and Nada in pushing for the criminalization of domestic violence and supporting women and children in life threatening situations.  Their work has made the world safer and …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at Coca-Cola Socio-Economic Impact Presentation

I would like to thank Coca-Cola HBC Adria for inviting me to participate in today’s event, especially General Manager Ruža Tomić Fontana. I also want to thank Coca-Cola for being such a strong partner to the U.S. Mission in BiH over the past 25 years.  I am proud that Coca-Cola, a quintessential American brand, was …

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U.S. Support for Human Rights Defenders

FACT SHEET BUREAU OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR November 29, 2021 Download the Guidance Human Rights Defenders Guidance The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to putting human rights and democratic principles at the center of our foreign policy. These  Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Mission Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders   outline and amplify the U.S.’s commitment to supporting this vital work as part of the President’s strategic vision and U.S. foreign policy. It is addressed primarily …

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BiH Heroes of the Month Nominees for August – Mirza Hukeljić and Džermin Pašić

Trust in BiH’s judiciary is at an all-time low, especially regarding the judiciary’s willingness to tackle corruption.  The COVID-19 pandemic introduced an additional avenue for unscrupulous politicians to loot public funds intended for ensuring adequate healthcare for BiH citizens.  State Prosecutors Mirza Hukeljic and Dzermin Pasic have refused to ignore the harm being inflicted on …

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CDA’s Deborah Mennuti Press Statement in Foca at the Memorial for Victims of Wartime Sexual Violence in BiH

Today’s commemoration reminds us that we need to shine a light on wartime sexual violence to support the survivors and defends human rights, and also to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of all people. The use of sexual violence in Ukraine today underscores that this heinous practice continues. The United States stands with the …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at Launch of USAID’s Media Engagement Activity

June 10, 2022 It is an honor and a privilege to join you here today. I want to use this opportunity to underline the importance of a sustainable, independent, balanced, and fact-based media as one of the cornerstones, perhaps the cornerstone, of a prosperous, well-functioning democracy.  This is important for any country in the world, …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at “Pravo na pravdu” Event

Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.   Thank you, Ambassador Sattler for the invitation to speak today and for the warm welcome.  Commissioner Varehelyi, Minister Zadic, distinguished guests, colleagues, and especially the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is my honor to speak to you today to discuss implementation of the recommendations of the …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks At the Opening of “Personal” Portrait Exhibition Mostar City Hall

Mayor Kordic, Speaker Maric, respected victims in war and heroes in peace, Mostar city councilors, ladies and gentlemen. The photo portraits of war victims presented here today prove to us that it is possible to transform personal pain into positive action, and in doing so, to promote peace and reconciliation. The horror of war leaves …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Remarks at the BiH Central Election Commission

I am grateful to the CEC for hosting Ambassador Kavalec and me today to discuss timely, free, fair, and transparent elections.  They are the foundation of democracy, and for the people of this country, they are also right enshrined in Article II (2) of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitution.  It would be unconstitutional, indeed it would …

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BiH Hero of the Month Nominee for May – Samir Lemeš

U.S. Embassy Sarajevo’s BiH Hero of the Month is Professor Samir Lemeš, Chair of the Steering Board of “Eko-Forum Zenica” and Vice-Dean for Scientific Research at the University of Zenica Polytechnic Faculty. Along with over 25 years of academic experience and dozens of publications covering subjects ranging from 3D modeling techniques to environmental justice, Professor …

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Emergency preparedness exercise with Bosnia and Herzegovina emergency services partners

On Thursday, April 28, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo hosted an emergency preparedness exercise with its BiH emergency services partners.  The exercise, “Operation Alliance Strike,” emphasized the training, coordination, and capabilities of BiH emergency services first responders, and is a continuation from “Operation Alliance Shield” hosted by the Embassy on October 15, 2021.  It incorporated a simulation that addresses the response to …

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Ambassador Murphy’s Introductory Press Conference

Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank you for joining us today for my first press conference.  I would like to first share a few thoughts with you and then outline my priorities.  Afterwards, I will be happy to take your questions. I am thrilled to be back in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  It is an honor to lead our …

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Ambassador Michael J. Murphy Presents His Credentials

Michael J. Murphy has arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina and today presented his credentials to the Chairman of the BiH Presidency as Ambassador of the United States. During the ceremony, Ambassador Murphy stressed: “I look forward to leading my government’s work here to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character.  The United …

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Ambassador Nelson hands over valuable donation to the BiH State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)

Ambassador Eric Nelson, Defense Attache COL Michael Tarquinto, and Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation MAJ Taib Grozdanić marked the donation of Armored SUVS, night vision devices, communications equipment, and personal protective equipment valued at over $1.5 million to the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) Special Support Unit (SSU). This equipment will enable …

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U.S. Embassy Sarajevo hosted an emergency preparedness exercise with its BiH emergency services partners

On Friday, October 15, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo hosted an emergency preparedness exercise with its Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) emergency services partners. The exercise, dubbed “Operation Alliance Shield,” emphasized the training, coordination, and capabilities of BiH emergency services first responders. It has incorporated a simulation that addresses a real-world safety and security event, where the Embassy …

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Pop Art Festival 2021

The Pop Art Festival 2021, supported by the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, took place throughout June in Sarajevo featuring a variety of American influences in art, music, film, photography, design, and comic books. The works of participants in illustration and design workshops were used to create an imposing mural on a public wall in Sarajevo. …

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Public Diplomacy Grant Supports Human Rights and Diversity through Job Search Training

Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina organized its fourth U.S. Embassy-funded “Active job searching“ training for young people with disabilities from June 29 to July 2, 2021. The training covered the rights of persons with disabilities, existing employment support, communication, self-confidence, critical thinking and other skills. The training is part of a larger project to promote the …

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State Department Awards Sarajevo Film Center $308,000 Grant via Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation

The U.S. Embassy congratulates the Sarajevo Film Center on its selection for a $308,000 grant via the State Department’s Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).  This grant will fund the restoration, protection, and digitalization of the Center’s collection of 35mm and 16mm films, which will ultimately be made available to academic institutions and the public …

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Love Stories – BOLD BiH VII Academy

Azra Berbić and her team, from the recent BOLD workshop on civic engagement, used their “Love Stories” project to shine a light on something that even Azra says she wishes was not something that society still needs to talk about – interethnic relationships in BiH. Watch a short documentary about lovie stories in BiH.

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Deputy Secretary Biegun’s Meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE  Office of the Spokesperson    For Immediate Release  November 20, 2020   Deputy Secretary Biegun’s Meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown:‎ Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun met virtually today with the three members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Milorad Dodik, Željko Komšić, and …

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United States as a Partner for the People of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The U.S. has been a strong partner and friend of BiH for the past 25 years, providing about $2 billion in assistance since 1995 to support reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, modernization of the defense sector, economic development, and education. This has continued through the Covid-19 pandemic with support in the form of medical and disinfection supplies and an investment of …

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USAID Awards UNICEF Additional $1 Million to Combat COVID-19 in BIH

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided $1 million to UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to help the country respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and protect its citizens.  This funding is an additional commitment from the USAID to UNICEF BiH for emergency response efforts during the crisis. Since …

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Applied Drama Institute Kicks Off in Tuzla

Fifty teachers from 27 towns and cities across BiH are in Tuzla this week for a four-day training in drama-based pedagogy, an approach to teaching and learning that uses active and dramatic techniques to increase student engagement and teacher self-efficacy. The program is led by Katie Dawson, professor and director of the Drama for Schools …

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Youth Voices: Brčko Democracy Camp Turns 18!

More than 350 students, 50 teachers and organizers from 30 cities across BiH participated in the 18th Annual Brčko Democracy Camp, which was opened by Deputy Director of Embassy’s Banja Luka Branch Office, Charles Blake.  The five-day camp brings together the cantonal, regional and district winners of the Project Citizen competition to work together in …

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Ambassador Nelson and DAS Palmer Visit Bihać and Banja Luka

Ambassador Nelson and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer took a two-day road trip to visit Bihać and Banja Luka.  During meetings with the Prime Minister of the Una-Sana Canton and the Mayor of Bihać, they discussed the importance of a coordinated and humane response to the migrant situation in BiH, and also visited …

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#TimeToClean!

A team of Embassy volunteers joined the #vrijemedacistimo (Time to Clean) campaign in BiH, cleaning up the Vraca Memorial Park, a monument to the fighters and civilians killed in World War II.  The clean-up was made a little sweeter by the baklava a kind neighbor brought to the team!  The volunteers’ hard work did not …

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Ambassador Nelson Celebrates Completion of AFCP Project at National Museum

Ambassador Nelson spoke at a press event marking the completion of a series of projects undertaken at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the framework of a $625,000 grant from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.  The award of this grant in 2015 was instrumental in helping the museum re-open, and supported a …

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#LetsTalkAboutAir: DCM Germain Hosts Discussion on Air Quality and Solutions for Sarajevo

As part of U.S. Embassy Sarajevo’s efforts to raise public awareness about the problem of air pollution and air quality in BiH, Deputy Chief of Mission Ellen Germain hosted a lunch with Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister Edin Forto and visiting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientist Dr. Gayle Hagler. Dr. Hagler presented a summary of …

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Ambassador Nelson’s Address on the Importance of Technology at the Neum NetWork 9 Conference

Good evening.  I’m glad to have the chance to address you all at the Neum NetWork 9 Conference.  I regret my travel schedule prevents me from being there in person. The IT sector is a fundamental part of the strength and success of the United States’ economy.  It is a bright spot here in Bosnia …

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Ambassador Eric Nelson Presents His Credentials

Eric Nelson has arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina and today presented his credentials to the Chairman of the BiH Presidency as Ambassador of the United States.  During the ceremony, Ambassador Nelson stressed: “I look forward to leading my government’s work here to advance prosperity, security, and respect for the rule of law benefiting all the …

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Security Documents Identification and Verification Course

During the week of May 27th, the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program sponsored a one-week training course entitled Security Documents Identification and Verification (SDIV) to Border Police officers from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia. This course, located in Sarajevo and delivered by regional instructors from Serbia and Croatia, focuses on the forensic examination …

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Recognition for BiH Security and Law-Enforcement Officials

On February 8, Chargé  d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Paul Horowitz and FBI Legal Attaché John Bivona presented FBI Director Certificates of Appreciation to security and law-enforcement officials from the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina in recognition of their efforts and assistance in the successful arrest and extradition of Mirsad Kandic. …

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#MyHometownMyBiH Video Competition Winners Announced

Our #MyHometownMyBiH video competition asked high school students to submit videos about the special things in their hometowns, from nature, to food, to culture.  We asked and they answered, with beautiful videos from every corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina!  Check out their amazing work below and please join us in congratulating Sejo Ivkovic (Jablanica), Adel …

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Unwavering Commitment to Security for BiH Citizens

On Tuesday, October 31, Ambassador Cormack joined Mirsad Vilic, Director of the BiH Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies, to officially open a state-of-the-art BiH Emergency Operations Center. The U.S. Government’s donation of $400,000 of radio and video equipment will enable the Center to better coordinate the BiH government’s response to crises, from natural disasters …

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BiH Parliamentarians to Visit the U.S.

The delegation of four members of the BiH Parliament will be traveling next month to Washington DC and Minneapolis, Minnesota, to engage with U.S. counterparts, the State Department, NGOs as well as local government officials to discuss solutions for countering radicalism and extremism globally. They will compare the drivers of extremism in different environments and …

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Staff Sergeant Meredith Cole Reflects on Training With Armed Forces of BiH

By: Staff Sergeant Meredith Cole, Civil Military Support Element, Bosnia & Herzegovina, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo Working as a representative of the U.S. Army at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo has been one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences I have had in my seven years of military service.  Currently, I am a member of the Civil Military …

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Video Contest: “Moj grad, moja Bosna i Hercegovina /My Hometown, My Bosnia and Herzegovina”

Official Video Contest Rules Contest Sponsors [1] “Moj grad, moja Bosna i Hercegovina/My home town, my Bosnia and Herzegovina” is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo. Contest Objectives What makes your hometown special?  We are seeking 90-second videos that illustrate the spirit of your home town and tell …

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Prokosko Lake Memorial Service

On Friday, September 5, Ambassador Cormack spoke at an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Prokosko Lake helicopter crash.  Twenty years ago, twelve passengers died when their helicopter crashed into Prokosko mountain in dense fog.  On board the flight were two separate delegations:  a five person OHR delegation and a seven person UN delegation. Five …

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Ambassador Cormack met with a group of mayors

U.S. Ambassador to BiH Maureen Cormack met with a group of mayors for lunch on the margins of the “U.S. Business Promotion and Networking Forum” in Banja Luka on Friday, September 22.  The lunch was an opportunity to discuss how the mayors have improved the business climates in their municipalities, focusing on the best methods to drive economic growth and ways the U.S. Embassy …

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Regional Chiefs of Mission Workshop for U.S. Ambassadors in Sarajevo

The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is hosting an annual Regional Chiefs of Mission Workshop for U.S. Ambassadors September 17-19.  Participating in the workshop will be the U.S. Ambassadors to Albania, BiH, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. During the workshop, the Ambassadors will hold internal discussions related to common issues faced by U.S. missions …

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Ambassador Cormack Met with 20 Participants from Coca Cola Summership Program

Today, Ambassador Cormack met with 20 participants in Coca-Cola’s “Coke Summership” program, which draws together students from universities in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, Banja Luka, Turkey, and Ireland.  After congratulating the interns on being selected to such a highly competitive program, the Ambassador discussed her own career path and experience as the U.S. Ambassador to BiH. …

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4th of July Country Fair-Themed Party in Sarajevo

Last night, we celebrated America’s 241st birthday by doing something a bit different.  We decided to take a more casual approach to our Independence Day party this year, creating a traditional Country Fair with all the elements our friends from BiH needed to enjoy a real American experience.  Fairs like this take place across our country every summer, …

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Exercise Jackal Stone 2017 Successfully Completed

Congratulations to all who participated in the overwhelmingly successful Exercise Jackal Stone 2017! Held from June 5 – 13, 2017 throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exercise is part of the U.S. European Command’s Joint Training and Exercise Program designed to enhance joint, combined interoperability with Allied and partner nations.  This year’s exercise used a realistic …

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Anti-Corruption Campaign

U.S. Embassy Sarajevo and its offices – INL, ICITAP, and OPDAT – launched a public anti-corruption campaign in five cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Working with community police officers and local prosecutors — and taking advantage of the six-month “anniversary” of Embassy Sarajevo’s “Anti-Corruption Week” in December — INL sought to engage the local public …

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MasterChef Christine Ha in BiH

Our Embassy was thrilled to host Christine Ha, an accomplished American chef, writer, and TV host.  She is the first blind contestant of MasterChef and winner of the popular series’ third season in 2012.  She came to Bosnia and Herzegovina  to share her experience, an American experience of innovation and achievement but also a personal …

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Students Have Solutions!

Young people from across BiH demonstrated on May 20th that they want to be a part of solutions for their country and in their communities, presenting project proposals addressing a range of problems through the BiH Project Citizen Showcase.  More than 370 students from throughout the country shared their innovative portfolios in which they identified problems …

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FBI Legal Attache John Bivona on Practice and Experience in Assets Seizure

One important element of successfully combating crime and corruption is asset forfeiture – the process law enforcement agencies use to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity, or things belonging to someone convicted of a crime. The U.S. Department of Justice was proud to partner with the FBiH Seized Property Management Agency to …

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Denis Suljakovic Wins BiH Spelling Bee Final Competition

On Saturday, May 13, 17 young people from across BiH, winners of the Regional English-language Spelling Bee Competitions, came to Sarajevo to compete for prizes and the honor of carrying the title Bosnia and Herzegovina’s “Best English-Language Speller.” Denis Suljaković, from Gimnazija „Edhem Mulabdić“ Maglaj, won the first place, Ramiz Begić, from Gimnazija „Muhizin Rizvić“ Kakanj, came …

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Restoration of Historic Red Cross Building Complete

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the completion of the Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project for the internal reconstruction of the Red Cross Society building, Ambassador Cormack noted that with the completion of this restoration project, we mark not only the rebirth of this important building, we look toward the future; a future …

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Ambassador Cormack Opens “American Room” at the Faculty of Criminology in Sarajevo

Ambassador Cormack and Prof. Nedzad Korajlic, Dean of the Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Security Studies Faculty in Sarajevo, opened the “American Room” – a computer laboratory established with a $30,000 donation from the United States. The facility will be used by students for a joint U.S. Embassy – University of Sarajevo Court Observation Project. The …

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Senator John McCain Visits BiH

As part of the broader visit to the region, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) visited Sarajevo on Tuesday, April 11. Following the meeting with BiH officials, Senator McCain released the statement on his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON VISIT TO BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA “I would like to express my appreciation to the people …

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Northwestern University’s Little Shop of Horrors Takes BiH By Storm!

With support from State Department’s Arts Envoy program, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo brought the Northwestern University Dolphin Show’s production of Little Shop of Horrors to BiH for a one-week tour. This tour was the first time a Broadway musical with an American cast had ever been produced in BiH, and the show played to over 1,000 …

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Awards Presented to the Winners of the Contest “My Bosnia and Herzegovina – My Heritage”

The BiH Commission to Preserve National Monuments organized an awards ceremony for winners of the contest “My Bosnia and Herzegovina, My Heritage”, which complimented the reconstruction project of the Red Cross Society building of Bosnia and Herzegovina, funded through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The aim of the campaign was for students to creatively …

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Science Slumber Party at the National Museum Brings Youth Together

Ambassador Cormack opened BiH’s second “Night at the Museum” (but first overnight experience) which offered hands-on learning experiences for participants from elementary and secondary schools across BiH. Designed by BiH’s NGO Center for Democracy and Education CIVITAS, and the event’s host the National Museum of BiH, the program gathered over 250 students who spent the …

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Nationwide “Model BiH” Project Engages Youth in the Process of Government and Governing

With support from the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Public Affairs, Sarajevo’s Second Gimnazija played host to Model BiH, which drew together 120 high school students from across BiH to participate in simulated sessions of the BiH state bodies – the House of Representatives, the House of Peoples, the Council of Ministers, and the Presidency of …

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Valuable Donation to Armed Forces of BiH

On March 23, Ambassador Cormack delivered a $3.5 million donation to the Armed Forces of BiH during a ceremony at Rajlovac barracks. The donation of 24 HMMWVs provided by the U.S. government increased the capacity of the BiH Armed Forces.  During the ceremony, Ambassador noted that this donation is a clear and unmistakable symbol of U.S. commitment …

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16th Century Bridge in Žepa Protected and Preserved Thanks to AFCP Funds

Acclaimed writer and Nobel Prize Winner Ivo Andrić has written a story about the Bridge on Žepa river, a 16th century incredible monument to the history of Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Starting in 2012, the United States, through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and in partnership with the BiH Commission to Preserve National …

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Tolerance, It’s All in the Music

The Music Meeting program, organized by ESF Interethnic assistance grantee Jazz Fest of Sarajevo, is an educational program that brings together 50 young musicians and music students from throughout BiH, along with 30 peers from surrounding countries in the region. The innovative arts program leverages music as a tool to promote tolerance, coexistence and reconciliation.  …

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“The Most Important IT Event of the Year”

The second annual Embassy-sponsored Zajedno Postižemo Vise (Together We Achieve More) Hackathon competition took place December 2-4 in Banja Luka, with 60 participants from across the country. Supported by an ESF Civic Education grant and implemented in partnership with Banja Luka’s IT Cluster, the program brought together students and young entrepreneurs from across BiH, to …

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Winners of “Stvaram promjenu, suzbijam korupciju” Competition

Congratulations to the winners of our “Stvaram promjenu, #suzbijamkorupciju” video competition!  We received over 100 great entries about how to fight corruption, and it was tough for the judges to decide which were the best. Thank you to everyone who participated, and keep up the great work! First Place (two entries tied): Amina Hodzić, Gimnazija Dobrinje, Sarajevo Žarko Plaić, High medical school “Gemit-Apeiron,” Banja Luka Second Place: Adel Nikšić and Amer Šehić, Srednja zubotehnička škola, Sarajevo Third …

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International Education Week (IEW) in BiH

November 15, 2016 Chargé d’Affaires Paul Horowitz kicked off International Education Week 2016 with a group of 65 high school students at Obala Gimnazija in Sarajevo. The Chargé encouraged students to consider studying in the United States, where they can take advantage of the flexibility of the U.S. educational system, benefit from close interaction with …

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Students Practice Courtroom Law

The fifth Moot Court Competition, co-sponsored by OPDAT and BiH Prosecutor’s Office, with support from the Court of BiH was held November 9-11, 2016 at Jahorina Mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina.  OPDAT has been supporting this program, led largely by a BiH Prosecutor and his Legal Assistant, for the past four years.  The program reached over …

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“Stvaram promjenu, suzbijam korupciju”

The Office of Public Affairs of the United States Embassy Sarajevo is organizing a video contest as part of events marking anti-corruption week.  We invite all BiH high school students, residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to submit a video on the topic: “What can I do to fight corruption in my daily life, my school …

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Importance of Agricultural Development in BiH

On October 13, at the event held in Banja Luka where 16 agricultural producers showcased their cheese, honey, fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, natural cosmetics and similar agro products, Ambassador Maureen Cormack spoke about the vital importance of agriculture in BiH and globally. This event was organized as part of the USAID/Sweden FARMA II, …

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Strengthening the Role of Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Law Institute in Bosnia and Herzegovina presented the findings of its research project “Strengthening the role of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” which received support from an Embassy’s ESF-Women’s Empowerment grant.  The policy paper focused on the participation of women in public life and the political decision-making process.  The working group’s research revealed unequal …

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Poligon Literary Festival in Mostar Honors Harper Lee

Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer Elizabeth Blumenthal spoke at the opening of the Embassy-supported literary festival, which gathers authors from the region to present their work and discuss important issues in literature.  Jointly organized by the Kosaca Cultural Center, United World College and the Pavarotti Center, the festival paid tribute to American novelist Harper Lee with …

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Judicial Ethics Training

The U.S. Department of Justice partnered with Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centers of the FBiH and the RS to hold a two-day Judicial Ethics Workshop from the 21st and 22nd of September.  American judges joined their counterparts from BiH, along with the Disciplinary Prosecutor of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Director of FBiH Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Center, …

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“Think Freedom” Project in Banja Luka

On the International Day of Peace, the people of Banja Luka came out to celebrate peace and art for the opening of the Embassy-sponsored “Think Freedom” project. Bosnian-American artist, Edina Seleskovic, partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Art and high school students in Banja Luka to install a flock of 1,000 metal birds, carrying messages …

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Hello, Neighbor!

One hundred and fifty participants from BiH, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and 15 other European countries came together for the Hello Neighbor Climbing and High-lining Festival in the Tijesno Canyon near Banja Luka.  Organized by the Banja Luka Climbing Club with an Embassy’s ESF-Interethnic Reconciliation grant, participants spent ten days working together and building relationships …

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Military Medical Exchange

Maryland Air National Guard got together with their counterparts from different battalions within AFBiH for a medical exchange at Kasarna Kozara in Banja Luka to prepare them for their deployment as a security force.  “Hopefully, you’ll never have to use the important lessons and skills you learned today and over the course of the past …

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Continuing Commitment to Countering Corruption in BiH

Embassy staff from the U.S. Department of Justice were joined by experts from the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and IRS Criminal Investigative Division to work with local police and prosecutors on anti-corruption investigations and prosecutions.  The participants at this recent workshop included a mix of prosecutors and investigators from institutions across BiH and the lectures …

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Helping BiH to Respond Emergencies

The Embassy’s Civil Military Affairs Team has been working with teachers, students, and first responders for over a  year and a half to make sure those in a position to help during an emergency have the skills they need to do so.  Now to make sure they have the equipment needed to continue the program, …

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The Tactical Trauma Management Course Successfully Completed

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the successful culmination of a two year program involving experts from the Embassy’s Civil Military Affairs Team and ICITAP working with law enforcement officials across BiH to help them serve their communities even better by establishing standards for emergency medical treatment and providing first-aid training. The Tactical Trauma …

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Earth Day 2016 in Sutjeska National Park

The U.S. Embassy in BiH marked the 46th annual Earth Day by focusing on the future of Sutjeska National Park.  Forestry students from Sarajevo and East Sarajevo Universities worked with Embassy volunteers, park staff, and experts from NGO Terra Dinarica on trail maintenance. They also installed new trail markings that identify Sutjeska as part of …

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Opening of the Newly Renovated American Corner Mostar

We are very excited to announce the official reopening of the newly-renovated American Corner Mostar.  With an investment of over $200,000 in remodeling, technology, staff, and programs, we, together with the help from our friends from the Smithsonian, transformed the American Corner Mostar into a place where young people from Mostar and whole Hrezegovina region …

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Ambassador Cormack Visits “Bosnian and Herzegovinian Voices” Exhibit in Washington

This March, while in Washington, Ambassador Cormack visited The Phillips Collection and the exhibit of artwork created by aspiring artists, students and teachers from BiH. Last fall, the Phillips Collection partnered with U.S. Department of State to facilitate a series of workshops in BiH. Phillips Collection educators spent two weeks in Sarajevo, Mostar and Trebinje, …

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“Seven” in the Federation of BiH Parliament

On March 8, 2016, in honor of the International Women’s Day, Sarajevo Open Center organized reading of the play “Seven”, a documentary play based on interviews with seven women’s rights activists, from around the world, whose life stories remain an incredible source of inspiration for the new generations of women and men in their efforts …

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Together We Achieve More Contest – Winners

Our sincere thanks to the three hundred students wrote essays and thirty students who created videos responding to the question: “How Can I Help Build a Better Bosnia and Herzegovina?”  We were inspired by your ideas and we encourage all of you to remember what was a key theme in many entries: Change has to …

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U.S. Judge Byron and U.S. Attorney Hochul Talk about Importance of Fight Against Corruption

Helping the U.S. Embassy engage local audiences during Anti-Corruption Week, visiting U.S. Judge Paul Byron and U.S. Attorney William Hochul had great conversations with students of criminology and security studies at the University of Sarajevo, law students from the University of East Sarajevo, and students from law schools of University of Mostar and Svecuiliste Mostar. …

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Ambassador Cormack Delivers Anti-Corruption Awards

As part of the United States Embassy’s program to highlight counter corruption efforts in BiH, U.S. Ambassador Maureen Cormack has established a series of awards for individuals and organizations who are leading the fight to stamp out corruption in the country. On Monday, December 7, Ambassador Cormack made brief remarks about high cost of corruption …

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Marking 20 years of Peace in BiH

On Saturday, November 21, United States Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the USAID Mission to BiH, hosted an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement in BiH, and two decades of peace that have followed. U.S. Ambassador to BiH Maureen Cormack, member of the BiH Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic, and Congressman …

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Major General Gregory Lengyel, Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR) visits BiH

Today the U.S. Embassy hosted a round table discussion of security issues with representatives from across the state, entity, and cantonal governments. The event was held in support of a visit by Major General Gregory Lengyel, Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR). The round table began with a discussion of the …

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“Together We Achieve More” Hackathon in Sarajevo

Making your ride on public transportation more predictable, improving the way critical blood donations are collected, and using gaming to get young people excited about engineering – these were a few of the top ideas for using technology to serve BiH better that came out of this weekend’s 72-hour Hackathon.  More than 65 students from …

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Together We Achieve More (Zajedno postižemo više)

Twenty years after the Dayton Peace Accords put an end to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Embassy Sarajevo commemorated the anniversary with a nationwide campaign focused on fostering a shared vision for the country’s future. Branded as “Zajedno Postizemo Vise” (“Together We Achieve More”) the year-long project included a challenge to get 20,000 …

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Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy Sarajevo Paul Horowitz visited the Glamoc Ammunition Destruction Range

Demonstrating our continued, joint commitment to supporting the disposal of excess, unsafe ammunition in Bosnia-Herzegovina, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Horowitz and Assistant Army Attaché LTC Chris Werner joined officials from the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina to tour the Glamoc Ammunition Destruction Range on Wednesday. These munitions – remnants …

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Gradiska Fruit and Vegetable Fair

On Sunday September 20, Director of the Embassy’s Branch Office Banja Luka Ed Gallagher and his deputy Maria Stavropoulos attended Gradiska’s annual fruit and vegetable fair. They were greeted by Mayor Zoran Latinovic and his advisor who showed them around the fair where local producers displayed their best produce and competed for prizes. Additionally, there …

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Tactical Trauma Management TrainingTactical Trauma Management Training, Sarajevo

BiH Armed Forces, RS SJU, SIPA, and U.S. military members worked with colleagues from the Sarajevo Canton Special Support Police Unit to build trust and interoperability between organizations while providing SSU members with first-aid skills needed to keep potential victims alive until medical help arrives. This course was one of several conducted throughout Bosnia and …

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Ambassador Cormack Meets Mostar STEAM Team Participants

Sixteen ninth graders from the Mostar American Corner’s STEAM Team met Ambassador Cormack to tell her how valuable they find the program, which offers free workshops in art, 3D printing and audio production to students from eight Mostar schools.  The STEAM Team also creates a platform for strengthening the student network in Mostar by pairing …

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Ambassador Cormack at the Mount Igman Commemoration

Ambassador Cormack, Defense Attaché COL Mark Karas, and Embassy staff attended the commemoration honoring Ambassador Robert Frasure, Doctor Joe Kruzel, Colonel Nelson Drew, and French Corporal Stefan Raoult on the 20th anniversary of the tragic accident on Mount Igman that took their lives as they worked bravely to help end the war in Bosnia and …

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Ambassador Cormack’s American University in BiH Commencement Speech

Addressing the American University in BiH graduating class of 2015, the Ambassador stressed several challenges and opportunities that lie before the young people in BiH. Ambassador Cormack told the graduates that they “are the generation raised during these 20 years since the war ended, the generation raised in the peace provided by the Dayton Agreement, …

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4th of July Celebration in Sarajevo

On July 1, Ambassador Maureen Cormack and her family hosted areception in the Embassy Sarajevo’s garden. That was an opportunity to welcome the BiH government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from entity and municipal governments. We were very pleased to see so many of our partners, friends, and colleagues from …

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U.S. Embassy Honors Volunteers Who Accepted the Challenge

More than 100 volunteers, representing their organizations and individual efforts, gathered in the Embassy on June 9 for a mid-year celebration of the Challenge: Choose the Cause, Be the Effect.  In January 2015, the Embassy has challenged 20,000 volunteers to engage in community service projects throughout the country to help Bosnia and Herzegovina mark 20 …

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U.S. Donates Demining Equipment to the Armed Forces of BiH

United States, through the Humanitarian Mine Action program (HMA), donated the equipment to the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina Demining Battalion – equipment which will be used to help the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina make local communities in this country safer. Working with our local partners such as the Bosnia-Herzegovina Mine Action Center, Civil Protection units, …

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The Visit of General John Allen

Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL General John Allen was in Sarajevo today to brief senior BiH political and security leadership on Coalition efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL. General Allen had productive meetings with members of the Presidency of BiH, OSA leadership, and representatives from security, judicial, and law enforcement …

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Youth Leadership Program: Reunion and Leadership Conference

On April 25-27, the Office of Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo hosted a reunion and leadership conference on Mt. Bjelasnica for secondary school students and teachers who participated in the U.S. Embassy’s Youth Leadership Program.  The conference gathered over 110 students and teacher alumni from our 2012-2014 programs. Ambassador Maureen Cormack opened …

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Peace Murals in BiH

The U.S. Embassy in BiH, in cooperation with BiH NGO Motus Adulescenti, has initiated a graffiti project “Peace murals” that will be taking place in Sarajevo, East Sarajevo and Mostar from April 17-30, 2015. Marking the 20th anniversary of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, world famous graffiti artist Caleb Neelon will lead a group of …

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Ambassador Cormack at Sarajevo University: Policy Dialogue with Future Leaders

During a a lecture  for the students of the University of Sarajevo,  held on   March 10,  Ambassador Maureen Cormack  outlined the key challenges ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina  on its  path to the EU and  NATO and the strategic  priorities of US policy  in the country. During her speech “ Policy Dialogue  with Future  Leaders” …

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Zajedno Postizemo Vise – Stories

As we look back at 20 years of peace in BiH this year and forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the remarkable people making a difference in their communities and their country with support from the U.S. Embassy.  They’ve inspired us and hope their …

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How to Build a Positive Business Environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Ambassador Maureen Cormack met with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in BiH, and discussed with them challenges and potential solutions to build a positive business environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She stressed that new laws and improved procedures are important to improve the business climate, but one thing above all else was needed: …

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Ambassador Cormack Visits Srebrenica and Potocari

The U.S. is committed to helping Srebrenica, noted Ambassador Maureen Cormack during her first visit to Srebrenica and Potocari on Wednesday, March 11, 2015.  “One of my  highest priorities in the  first weeks in Bosnia and Herzegovina was to come here and pay respects to the victims of genocide and all the innocent victims” said …

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“Youth, Art and Activism” in BiH

“Youth, Art, Activism” is a project which will be implemented throughout the BiH over the course of next nine months. Using street art, graffiti, hip-hop and art in general, young people from whole country will be advocating for changes of public policy measures in BiH. As part of this project, a world renowned graffiti artist …

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Ambassador Cormack Visits Mostar and Trebinje

On her first trip to Herzegovina, Ambassador Cormack visited Mostar and Trebinje. In addition to meeting officials from both cities, the Ambassador was delighted to visit Intera Technology Park and learn more about entrepreneurship efforts among young people in Mostar. While in Trebinje, she visited several local businesses and stressed the need for creating a …

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Soldiers from AFBiH One Step Closer to U.S. Army Ranger School

Having successfully competed in a grueling National Selection process, three of the eleven soldiers remaining will likely be the first from Bosnia and Herzegovina to attend the prestigious United States Army Ranger School in April at Fort Benning, Georgia, according to the US Office of Defense Cooperation. Twenty-six soldiers from across the Armed Forces of …

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Welcome Reception for Ambassador Maureen Cormack

On February 5, 2015 Deputy Chief  of Mission Nicholas Hill hosted a welcome reception for Ambassador Maureen Cormack. Ambassador Cormack thanked everyone for the warm welcome, both at the reception and in the days since they have arrived, and said that she was very pleased to be here after having a very, very long time …

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Completion of Restoration Works to the Red Cross Society Building in Sarajevo

On February 4, 2015 Ambassador Cormack spoke at the closing ceremony marking the successful completion of important restoration works to the Red Cross Society building in Sarajevo, which were carried out with funding from the U.S. Embassy’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, in close collaboration with the Commission to Preserve National Monuments and the Red …

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Ambassador Cormack Volunteers at the Senior Living Facility in East Sarajevo

Honoring the day of community service in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Cormack joined young people from East Sarajevo and Sarajevo who spent a day volunteering at the Senior Living Facility in East Sarajevo. Ambassador Cormack stressed that the event highlights one of the most important aspects of a democracy – the role …

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The Challenge: Choose the Cause, Be the Effect

The Challenge:  Choose the Cause, Be the Effect is a campaign that encourages people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially its youth, to spread the culture of solidarity, caring and to engage in community service projects by donating their time/resources/knowledge to the benefit of their communities  by doing special projects which range from environmental clean-up,  helping  …

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Ambassador Cormack Presents Her Credentials

United States Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Maureen Cormack presented her credentials to Dr. Mladen Ivanic, Chairman of the BiH Presidency, on January 16. Ambassador Cormack said: “I have the privilege here in BiH of building on the very strong, historic ties that bind our two nations together.  I look forward to working with you …

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