Russian Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly criticised the international community and the USA for, as they pointed out, attempts to increase influence on the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“In the context of intensified attempts of the West to increase its weakening influence on the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we find it necessary to assess the approaches of Washington and Brussles in the Balkans,” the embassy said, adding that it is “wrong to put the country before an artificial choice of being ‘with or against us’.”

It stressed it is the right of Bosnia and Herzegovina to have a free interaction with all countries, groups of states, political and economic blocs based on consensus among its peoples.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, the embassy said, is undoubtedly a part of European civilisation but it would be “wrong” to limit the country to that only.

“We must not forget its rich history – it is both Slavic roots and centuries-old oriental influence. All this makes this country special and unique, precisely in this combination of cultural, religious and social currents is its beauty. Doubts are caused by the methods of solving the ‘existential problem’ of the western world and above all of its ideological inspirer, the United States of America, or the imposition of democracy in other countries. It has long been obvious that the sanctions in question are being used by Washington and Brussels as a means of educating politicians, and sometimes entire countries that they do not like. However, this instrument does not contribute to strengthening of stability either in individual countries or in the world as a whole,” said the Russian embassy.

It also noted that Russia is interested in well-being and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as its security and high standard of living for its citizens, openness and impartiality in cooperation with other countries.

“We believe that this can only be achieved if all power is transferred to the hands of Bosnians and Herzegovinans themselves and the unjustified excessive international factor is eliminated. Responsible and honest behavior of the international community represented in Sarajevo would also be of great help,” said the embassy.