Margareta Cederfelt (second from right) and Ann Linde meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic, Sarajevo, 4 October 2021SARAJEVO, 4 October 2021 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, concluded her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) today. The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden), also participated in the visit. Linde expressed concern that the continued political impasse on state level is hindering functionality and progress in BiH. She stressed the need for compromise and co-operation, and called for advancing trust-building, which is key to strengthening security and prosperity.

“Leaders must focus on constructive dialogue to find a way out of the current situation and take necessary steps to rebuild trust and push key reforms – including resolving amendments to BiH Election Law,” said Linde.

In a meeting with BiH Presidency Linde encouraged the different institutions to make full use of the OSCE’s assistance. “Many challenges remain, and I hope that co-operation prevails for the benefit of the citizens of BiH,” Linde said.

OSCE PA President Cederfelt stressed the importance of parliamentarism, the need for citizens to represented in an elected assembly and for the necessary compromises to be struck, in order for reforms to go forward. “As parliamentarians we have a responsibility to transparently represent our citizens,” Cederfelt said.

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic, Linde reaffirmed the OSCE’s continued partnership on reform priorities. Turkovic and Linde also discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s positive role in the implementation of regional arms control, including on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

At a meeting with civil society organizations, Linde said that the OSCE remains committed to advancing women’s rights in the country. “I welcome BiH’s commitment to ensure the full implementation of the Law on Gender Equality and the Gender Action plan of BiH. Without the meaningful participation of women, we will not reach the full potential of our societies.”

Linde also met with members of the international community in Sarajevo and visited the staff of the OSCE Mission to BiH. The Chairperson unveiled, together with Masha Durkalic, co-author of the #WomenOfBiH book, and artist Nataša Konjević, a mural depicting Milena Mrazović, the first woman journalist, editor, and publisher in Bosnia and Herzegovina.