Shaheen-Johnson Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 30 Years of Independence & Support for Pro-Democratic Aspirations
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) – Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Chair and Ranking Member – led a bipartisan group, including Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) on a resolution recognizing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 30th anniversary of independence, addressing the political situation and reaffirming U.S. support for the nation’s pro-democratic aspirations.
“I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution, which not only celebrates Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 30 years of independence, but reaffirms U.S. support for their pro-democratic aspirations. Bolstering democracy around the world has never been as critical as it is today as we watch the Ukrainian people in the fight of their lives for freedom and democracy,” said Shaheen. “This resolution sends a powerful message to our partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the U.S. is behind them as they work to uphold unity in their nation for the sake of a brighter and more prosperous future for their citizens.”
“I am happy to cosponsor this bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. support for Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of its declaration of independence,” said Johnson.
“I’m glad to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in recognizing thirty years of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence. While Putin simultaneously wages war on Ukraine and cheers on separatists in Bosnia and Herzegovina – threatening 26 years of fragile peace in the Balkans – the United States is committed to supporting the country’s pro-democratic and anti-corruption reforms,” said Murphy.
“The Bosnian people paid a terrible price in the breakup of the former Yugoslavia,” said Durbin. “After so much bloodshed and suffering, we must not let spoilers undermine the hard fought peace the U.S. and others helped broker. I join my colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution to celebrate 30 years of independence and reiterate U.S support for their democracy.”
“I congratulate the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of their independence,” said Wicker. “As we have all been reminded recently, freedom and democracy are blessings that must continually be protected. The United States stands by the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we hope their leaders will continue to work for unity and to end corruption.”
“I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recognize this significant milestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history,” said Peters. “For thirty years now, Bosnians have pursued a path of freedom and democracy – and it’s essential we remain steadfast in our support of their efforts – particularly given Russian aggression in Europe. In this moment, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the Dayton Accords and to working alongside pro-democracy nations that seek peace and prosperity – including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and other Balkan nations.”
In January, Shaheen and Johnson sent a letter to the State Department urging the Department to use all available measures to resolve the political crisis in Bosnia.
Text of the resolution is available here.
