Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in 1995, the Dayton Accords brought an end to more than 3 horrific years of war and genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ushered in a new era of peace. Today, this peace is being threatened. Self-serving, corrupt politicians like Milorad Dodik are engaged in a sustained attack on Bosnia's unity, sovereignty, and multiethnic character. As Dodik and his cronies know well, a prosperous and western-facing Bosnia and Herzegovina threatens their personal power and ill-gotten wealth. They are willing to tear the country apart to maintain control over their illicit patronage networks, aided and abetted by the destructive Putin regime, which fears Bosnia's integration with the west. Dodik, who has been under U.S. sanctions for more than 2 years, continues to threaten secession in public interviews and through reckless and inflammatory policies. According to Treasury, he: ``Has used his official BiH position and a network of personal ties and companies to accumulate personal wealth through graft, bribery, and other forms of corruption.'' These actions have drastic consequences. The 2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community concluded that the Western Balkans will face an increased risk of localized interethnic violence during 2024. At a time when the United States faces conflicts and crises around the world, we cannot afford to see the Western Balkans descend into chaos.…”