Paddy Ashdown: Bosnia has a choice: prosperity or conflict
From the inaugural speech by the new High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the state parliament in Sarajevo
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Your support makes all the difference.It's great to be back. And a great honour to be taking over from my distinguished predecessor, Wolfgang Petritsch. He has left us with a foundation to build on and, with your help, I intend to build on it.
My wife Jane and I are really looking forward to making our home here for the next few years, and I am looking forward to working with you as you travel on the next stage of your journey towards statehood and Europe.
But that destination is not yet assured, for there is a fork in the road ahead of us. One road leads back to division and instability. If we take this road, then this country will become an island of squabbling refuseniks left behind by its neighbours who are already moving ahead to their European future. A place that the international community cannot leave because of instability. But in which they have lost patience and interest.
The other road leads to a different future. The one most people here want. The one the international community supports. And the one I remain confident we can – together – achieve. This is the road of reform. If we have the courage to take it, it will lead us to statehood, prosperity and ultimately to membership of the European Union itself.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, our European destination is not some piece of meaningless political jargon. It means a better future for you and your children. It means new jobs, giving the young a better education, and giving every citizen confidence and security. That is the choice ahead of us.
I do not say this will be easy or quick. If Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn't reform, you will fail. And I will fail with you. But if we make the changes that must be made, if we can reform Bosnia and Herzegovina and put her irreversibly on the road to statehood within Europe, the future we all want can be a reality.
Real jobs. Real justice. A modern country with a new future. I know that, for some, this must feel a long way off. And I am very aware that, in this speech, I have outlined a highly ambitious programme.
But to all those who share this vision, and who believe Bosnia and Herzegovina can once again be a great place to raise your children, I say this: You're right. This is a beautiful country. It is as rich in talent and potential as any in Europe. I believe in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But what really matters is that you believe in yourselves. Because if you do, I promise you, no matter how long it takes, you will succeed.
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