February 19, 2009, Washington, DC: The Bosniak American Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAACBH) is voicing its support for a new US House of Representatives Resolution that encourages constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and continued US involvement in the region.

The 1992-95 war of agression in Bosnia was brought to an end by the Dayton Peace Accords on November 12, 1995. Although the Dayton Peace Accords ended the violence, they did not enable the country to move beyond its ethno-territorial divisions, according to BAACBH.

The group says those divisions are now undermining the progress toward a peaceful and democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and equality for all citizens.

House Resolution 171 was introduced by Congressman Howard Berman on February 13. The resolution calls for:

1. The creation of a state government in Bosnia capable of making self-sustaining reforms and fulfilling European Union (EU) and NATO requirements;

2. An agreement on constitutional reform that would advance the principles of democracy and tolerance, rectify provisions that conflict with the European Charter of Human Rights, include the general public, and be consistent with the goal of EU membership;

3. Continued efforts to achieve justice for victims of war crimes domestically and at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), as well as to promote reconciliation among ethnic groups;

4. The appointment of a US Special Envoy to the Balkans who can work in partnership with the EU and political leaders in Bosnia to facilitate reforms;

5. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) to remain open until the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) can definitely determine that Bosnia met all of its conditions;

6. The EU to carefully consider its plans for the future deployment of the European Union Force (EUFOR), given its security benefits in Bosnia;

7. The US to work closely with the EU in the transition to a EU Special Representative (EUSR) to ensure that the EUSR has the authority and tools to effectively manage Bosnia and prepare them for potential EU membership.

BAACBH is strongly urging the US government to re-engage its efforts in Bosnia and asking supporters to call their representatives about the House resolution. BAACBH is a strategic parter of The Advocacy Project (AP).