The US must get more involved in Bosnia’s democratization process as the two countries share the same values, the guests of the this years’ Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACBiH) Gala dinner concluded on on Saturday.

The Council presented Bosnia’s EU Progress Report, analyzed the situation in the country and presented lifetime achievement awards to former US President Bill Clinton, two former US generals and a former Bosnian Presidency member.

According to ACBiH President Ajla Delkic, the main goal of all who love Bosnia is to defeat the forces that aim to introduce tyranny and dominance of a minority over a majority in the country.

President of the ACBiH Board of Directors, Adnan Hadrovic, pointed out that the US and Bosnia have common values they must work towards.

“A multi-ethnic, multi-religious Bosnia and Herzegovina, where all peoples and citizens are treated equal, has no alternative. The US and Bosnia definitely share the same values and those values must be protected with joint action,” Hadrovic said.

“What is important to point out is that we called upon the US to get involved as much as possible in the developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he added.

Clinton had a message for the country's political leaders.

“Why don’t we do more for the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Why don’t we do more to remove the barriers they face?,” Clinton asked.

He said the reason for the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia was that people were not perceived as human beings.

“For hundreds of years, Sarajevo was an excellent example for the entire world. Tribal divisions didn’t bring anything good to anyone,” he said.

One of those awarded was also former member of Bosnia’s tripartite Presidency, Haris Silajdzic.

“We have to smuggle democracy into our country today. And no, I am not exaggerating. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that could be an example of a new paradigm in a very confusing world. We need a new paradigm, because things are always being imposed on us,” he said.

More than 140 people were invited to the annual dinner in Washington, including former and current Bosnian ambassadors as well as other diplomats. The recipients of last years’ life achievement award were former US vice-president Joe Biden and former US senator Bob Dole.