Clinton urges reform in Bosnia

[pampango]

Source: Washington Post

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday challenged all sides in ethnically divided Bosnia to embrace political reform needed for European Union and NATO membership.

Speaking in Sarajevo, Clinton told university students they should push their leaders to embrace a truly multiethnic society and pledged continued U.S. support toward that goal. Earlier, Clinton urged the country's leadership to make EU membership a priority and make the necessary constitutional reforms.

"These reforms are needed for their own sake," she said. "But they are also needed if your country is to fulfill the goal of becoming part of the European Union and NATO." "Your neighbors have taken strides in that direction because they know that there is no better way to achieve sustained economic growth and long-term political stability than by integrating with Europe," Clinton said.

Asked by the students about Bosnian Serb aspirations to secede and create their own ethnic state, Clinton said her country only supports a united Bosnia within the EU. "A united nation ... can be an incredibly powerful presence in Europe. Your diversity will be your strength. Your pluralism will be your ticket to greater opportunities," she said.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/12/AR2010101201044.html

[cowcommander]

1. Good luck

Europe is still divided along ethnic and religious lines. It's a miracle the EU has lasted this long.

[LostHighway]

2. I'm sure Bosnia appreciates Clinton's advice

I mean, how condescending can you get? Just look at the language she used. Regardless of what's going on in Bosnia, if a politician came here and said the sort of things that she said about what Bosnia 'should' do there'd be massive resentment. But, I suppose, it's appropriate since her husband engaged in a bombing campaign against Yugoslavia.