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MOSTAR, January 12 (FENA) - Mostar should be a shining example to the whole of BiH of how many problems can be solved by compromise and agreement, said US Ambassador to BiH Eric Nelson and Head of Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Johann Sattler. on Wednesday declared honorary citizens of Mostar at a solemn session of the City Council.
Members of the City Council of Serbian nationality Velibor Milivojević, Vladimir Čabrilo and Miljana Kovačević did not participate in the session.
President of CC Mostar Salem Marić emphasized that Nelson and Sattler have always been a support to Mostar and their engagement is one of the most deserving of the political agreement in Mostar after which elections were held and CC was formed and that it will forever be their legacy.
The Mayor of Mostar, Mario Kordić, pointed out that this is a special day for Mostar and that he is sorry that all councilors are not here because this decision was made unanimously.
He said that only with dialogue and understanding of all people living here can we move forward and that it is a great honor and responsibility to be part of the 'Mostar family' whose members are now Nelson and Sattler.
- In the last nine months, Mostar has set new standards in BiH, and thanks to our guests for that. Mostar has finally become a positive topic, not only in BiH, but even outside the country, all the way to Brussels. For many years, they called us 'the city of chance' because we had certain problems, but thanks to our efforts we reached an agreement - Kordić reminded.
The US Ambassador to BiH Eric Nelson thanked for the honor, saying that he was glad to be able to come once again and give support to Mostar and its citizens.
The visit to Mostar was one of my first visits outside Sarajevo. I heard how much Mostar suffered in the war and about many problems that could not be solved. Moreover, the name of this wonderful city has become a coin describing an ugly political position and a stalemate, a moratorium - said Nelson.
According to him, a glimmer of hope appeared in 2018, when nine parties reached an agreement in order to implement the verdicts and break the political blockade.
- For the success in Mostar, we should thank the political leaders who showed flexibility and responsibility, but also the brave citizens who gave the wind in the back to this endeavor - said Nelson.
He stressed that the international community supported the efforts because they had the same goal to hold elections in Mostar after 12 years and for the citizens to choose at will.
- Democracy requires a continuous effort of all in order to put the interests of the whole community above the interests of individuals - Nelson pointed out.
He said BiH needs to shift its focus to important issues such as the economy and tackling corruption, and he believes Mostar and BiH can have a prosperous future.
- It is up to the citizens not to accept anything less than that, and it is up to the politicians to make it possible. The United States and I will always be friends and partners in supporting Mostar and BiH - said Nelson.
The head of the EU delegation and EU special representative to BiH Johann Sattler also reminded that they had a lot of help from the international community to resolve the issue of elections in Mostar, but that the greatest effort came from the citizens of Mostar who did not give up their basic democratic right. that I can choose.
Sattler added that the current political circumstances in BiH were disappointing for him, as he hoped the Mostar dialogue would prove to be a good example and a stepping stone to everyone in BiH, which can be done once an agreement is reached.
- Unfortunately, the crisis we are witnessing is a reflection of the negative policy we need to work on, although it is not easy. I am convinced that we will solve many problems in BiH in cooperation with everyone - said Sattler.
(FENA) L. N.
