Washington Debates Balkan Policy, Urges Sanctions on Dodik

A debate in Washington discussed American policy and security in the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina was a main focus. Republican Keith Self, a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee chairman, said BiH is still divided by ethnicity. He stressed the importance of President Trump having ambassadors in the region.

Democrat William Keating, the Subcommittee's top Democrat, prepared a report. It criticized the Trump administration for lifting sanctions on Milorad Dodik, a former leader in Republika Srpska. Keating called this a mistake, saying Washington lost influence. He accused Trump's friends of illegal enrichment in the Western Balkans. Keating demanded the Trump administration quickly re-impose sanctions on Dodik.

The report also mentioned US support for the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline. This project would link BiH to Croatia. A US company, reportedly without regional energy experience, won the contract.

Daniel Lawton, a Deputy Assistant US Secretary of State, also spoke. He stated the US wants a stable and peaceful Western Balkans. Local leaders must find their own solutions. Lawton noted US diplomacy helped remove anti-Dayton laws in Republika Srpska last year. He added the US is ready to work with new BiH leaders after upcoming elections.

Keating questioned Lawton about Milorad Dodik's actions, including Islamophobia and trips to Russia. He asked if these actions fit the Dayton Agreement. Lawton replied the US supports Dayton's peace, adding Dodik is not currently in office. Keating urged the State Department to re-impose sanctions, as Dodik's behavior had not changed. He also pressed Lawton about the inexperienced US company that quickly got the pipeline contract. Lawton explained the Southern Interconnection is strategically important and planned for a decade.