The EU Delegation to B&amp;H, the United States Embassy in B&amp;H, the British Embassy in B&amp;H and the OHR sent a joint statement regarding the FB&amp;H Securities Commission.&nbsp;You can read the full statement below.&nbsp;

The FB&amp;H Securities Commission, which is a crucial institution ensuring that banks, the stock exchange and joint stock companies operate transparently and according to the rules, has been completely paralyzed for more than a year. The consequences of this paralysis are enormous for the economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country as a whole. The Commission sets the conditions for how money flows through banks and businesses and for that reason affects hundreds of companies, their employees and business partners, as well as citizens.

Over 400 pending requests are awaiting the Commission’s approval including more than BAM 100 million worth of investments. This is happening while the country is suffering from the health and economic crisis brought on by the pandemic. Economic recovery and employment growth are threatened by the inability of companies and banks to raise capital, merge with other companies, or conduct other normal business transactions. Securities Commission employees have also been suffering because no one was able to authorize the payment of their salaries or health insurance.
The effective financing of companies is the starting point for economic growth and welfare. As has been noted many times, a key factor in supporting economic growth to create new jobs is to make money available to entrepreneurs for investment. A well-functioning Securities Commission is a prerequisite for this to happen.
We urge the Federation authorities to unblock the work of the Securities Commission by immediately addressing the appointment of its members and taking all necessary steps to ensure that appointment decisions can be made swiftly while fully respecting all relevant legislation and selection criteria.

<h2> Independence and professionalism</h2>

Independence and professional conduct are crucial for ensuring high standards of excellence of all supervisory authorities. The institutions need to operate in a clear and transparent manner in order to build trust in the market.

Both EU standards and domestic regulation define strict criteria for the selection of Securities Commission’s members, including with regard to education, expert and professional knowledge, conflict of interest, performance of duties in political parties, participation in political activities and criminal record.
There are many successful, hardworking citizens of BiH who meet these criteria and deserve the opportunity to make a difference and offer their expertise and experience for the benefit of their country.
Market participants and businesses demand an urgent remedy to the situation from all bodies involved in the process, including the immediate restoration of the functionality of this institution and avoiding any future dysfunctionalities. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as one of the entities within a democratic country aiming to join the European Union, cannot afford the paralysis of one of its important institutions.

Both EU standards and domestic regulation define strict criteria for the selection of Securities Commission’s members, including with regard to education, expert and professional knowledge, conflict of interest

The FB&H Parliament must appoint new members

Joint statement by the EU in B&H, U.S. Embassy in B&H, British Embassy in B&H and the OHR: Urgently unblock the work of the FB&H Securities Commission

The Paris public prosecutor’s office opened a criminal investigation Sunday into alleged secret five-star dinners attended by government ministers in violation of coronavirus lockdown and health regulations, French media reported.

Prosecutor Remy Heitz launched the probe following the broadcast of local news outlet M6 Info’s news expose on the underground luxury parties organized in Paris. The Paris police have also opened a separate investigation on Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin’s instructions to verify the organizers and participants of the clandestine parties.
The report was televised on a day that fresh cases of COVID-19 topped 67,794, according to data from the public health authorities -- the highest number of positive cases registered in the last 24 hours so far this year. A total of 5,341 patients remained admitted to intensive care units and the number of new fatalities recorded was 185.
The news report showed footage of the dinners with guests enjoying lavish spreads by top chefs in a price range of 150-500 euros ($176-$588) without any restrictions on masks or social distancing rules.
France is grappling with a third wave of the pandemic and restaurants and cafes remain shut across the country. The famed French hospitality and food industry has downed shutters since October to prevent people from eating in confined spaces and to control the spread of the virus.
The footage also included an anonymous source claiming that the restrictions and penalties imposed by the administration of President Emmanuel Macron on restaurants were laughable as several clandestine parties are being organized across Paris and attended by the ministers themselves. If found guilty, organizers can face a penalty of up to 15,000 euros ($17,641) and 135 euros ($158) for attendants.

Ministers allegedly attended underground dinner parties as restaurants remain closed; new COVID-19 cases top 67,700

Prosecutor Remy Heitz launched the probe following the broadcast of local news outlet M6 Info’s news expose on the underground luxury parties organized in Paris

France opens probe into secret parties amid pandemic

European Council President Charles Michel voiced support for Libya on Sunday as the North African country hopes to end years of civil war.

-The Libyan people have witnessed a historic moment with the installation of the new Presidential Council and the appointment by the House of Representatives of the Government of National Unity- said Michel after his meeting in the capital Tripoli with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.
-I wanted to come as soon as possible to convey to the Libyan people and their new leadership a clear and strong message- he added.
-We commend your efforts to come together in a spirit of national unity and reconciliation- he said. -The future of Libya is in your hands. You have a unique opportunity to build a united, sovereign, stable and prosperous country.-Noting that the EU stands by the Libyan people, Michel also announced that the bloc’s ambassador will return on a permanent basis to Tripoli by the end of April.
On Feb. 5, Libyan delegates elected Mohammad Menfi to head a three-member Presidential Council and Dbeibeh the new prime minister.
Elections in the country are set for December.
On Monday, Michel is expected to meet with Tunisian President Kais Saied and on Tuesday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Charles Michel says he wanted to go to Libya to convey 'a clear and strong message' to Libyan people, their new leadership

European Council President Charles Michel

European Council chief visits Libya, expresses support

France and the European Commission have agreed on the outline of a state-backed refinancing package for the French arm of Franco-Dutch airline group Air France-KLM, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire announced Sunday.

Le Maire said in a television program that negotiations with the commission have been concluded, but the amount of money has not yet been clarified.
-It is very good news for Air France. It’s very good news for the whole French aviation sector- he said.
Saying that this good news should encourage the company to be more competitive, he said Air France will have to give up some landing and take-off sites at Orly airport.
Le Maire said the state has provided 7 billion euros ($8.23 billion) worth of aid to the company so far and that they expect Air France to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and become the world leader in this regard.
The Air France-KLM partnership lost 7.1 billion euros ($8.35 billion) in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The company's turnover decreased by 59% last year compared to the previous year and its debt doubled to $11 billion.

French finance minister says negotiations with EU are concluded, but amount involved has not yet been clarified

Le Maire said the state has provided 7 billion euros ($8.23 billion) worth of aid to the company so far and that they expect Air France to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and become the world leader in this regard

France, EU reach refinancing deal for Air France-KLM

Turkey's Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) on Monday launched a direct investigation into Facebook over a recent user data leak.

According to information received by Anadolu Agency, the body took the decision to initiate an ex officio investigation after discussing the issue at a meeting on reports that the data of 533 million Facebook users were shared on a hacker platform.
According to the Business Insider news website, a user on a low-level hacking forum on Saturday published the phone numbers and personal data of 533 million Facebook users in 106 countries.
The news outlet said the exposed data, phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and -- in some cases -- email addresses, including over 32 million records of users in the US, 11 million in the UK, and 6 million in India.
Security experts warned that the data could be fraudulently used by hackers.

Personal Data Protection Authority initiates ex officio investigation after leak of personal data of 533M Facebook users

According to the Business Insider news website, a user on a low-level hacking forum on Saturday published the phone numbers and personal data of 533 million Facebook users in 106 countries

Turkey launches probe into Facebook over data leak

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing him to run for two more terms in the Kremlin once his current term ends in 2024, a document posted on a government website showed on Monday.

The legislation, which could pave the way for Putin to stay in power until 2036 should he choose to do so and win re-election, reflects sweeping changes to the constitution that were brought in last year.

The legislation could pave the way for him to stay in power until 2036

Putin signs law allowing him to run for two more terms in Kremlin

Greece allowed shops to reopen under controlled conditions on Monday, despite heavy pressure on its health services, as the government responded to growing public fatigue after months of coronavirus lockdown.Last week the government announced the easing of some restrictions, allowing small retail shops selling non-essential goods to reopen, under so-called click-away and click-in-shopping modes.
Under the rules, consumers must make appointments and comply with a three-hour limit for shopping, and retailers cannot allow in more than one customer per 25 square metres.
-What is important is that the shops opened- said Achilleas Nasis, a shopper in central Athens. -And it’s nice, under this new system where you send a message, you choose, and you go get it. It is good.-The measure excludes shopping malls and department stores in the Athens area which will remain closed. Shops will also remain closed in three regions with severe infection levels, including the major northern city of Thessaloniki.
Greece handled the first wave of the pandemic last year better than many other countries in Europe, but its health services, weakened by a decade of financial crisis, have come under heavy pressure as case numbers have surged this year.

The government is due to begin distribution this week of home testing kits, initially for high schools and teachers before wider distribution to all adults, which it hopes will help contain the spread of the pandemic before the start of the vital summer tourist season.

Lockdown measures imposed in November have caused growing discontent and left many businesses struggling to survive but Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said Greece’s ability to borrow on financial markets would enable the government to help.
A 130 million euro ($150 million) package announced by the government on Monday would help around 100,000 businesses, including some 10,800 retailers, with financial assistance ranging from 1,000-4,000 euros, depending on the number of workers employed, Staikouras said.
-We are making use of funds raised from markets in the last months to support businesses and households- he said.
On Sunday Greece reported 1,955 new COVID-19 infections and 78 related deaths, bringing total infections to 275,414 and COVID-related deaths to 8,380.

Under the rules, consumers must make appointments and comply with a three-hour limit for shopping, and retailers cannot allow in more than one customer per 25 square metres

People wearing masks wait to enter a shop on the first day of the re-opening of retail stores, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Athens, Greece, April 5, 2021.

Greece looks to ease pressure with cautious shops reopening

The director of UCC Tuzla, Vahid Jusufović, stated for Federal TV that this hospital does not use respirators (ACM812A) procured by the company "Srebrena malina", and that they stand in the warehouse of the hospital.
His reaction refers to the allegations of Sebija Izetbegović, director of KCUS, which she presented at a press conference today in Sarajevo.
- I talked with her on Saturday morning, not knowing what it was all about. We discussed several different topics. I explained to her that we had 25 respirators from FCPA in stock, in the warehouse, and that we had tried those respirators for some time. One was tried in the Intensive Care Unit at Blue Hospital, and it was returned. Another colleague from the Internal Medicine Clinic, an intensivist, tried to look at those settings and also returned it. None of the respirators you are talking about (ACM812A) was not uset on any patients at any time at the University Medical Center Tuzla. All 25 respirators that we received from FCPA are in the warehouse of the Blue Hospital and are not in use - said Jusufović.
When asked why they do not use them, he replied:
- First of all, we have a sufficient number of respirators from other manufacturers. We have 31 machines in the respiration center, not all machines are occupied, and my anesthesia colleagues, professionals, and intensivists said: Director, we will use those respirators as a last resort, when we run out of everything if we don't have them, because we're not sure in those respirators.

All 25 respirators we received from FCPA are in the warehouse of the Blue Hospital and are not in use, said Jusufović

Director of UCC Tuzla denied Sebija Izetbegović: We did not put anyone on "Raspberry respirators"

Prosecutors of the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office entered the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo today after this judicial institution formed the case.
The activities were launched after two letters from doctors that appeared in public, in which they talk about the catastrophic condition at KCUS and states that respirators purchased by the company „Srebrna malina“ cannot be used to treat COVID patients.

The acting prosecutors who entered the KCUS are Mladen Vukojičić and Meliha Dugalija. They are currently in the COVID department.
A few hours earlier, a meeting was held between the Chief Prosecutors of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H, Gordana Tadić and Sabina Sarajlija, at which it was agreed that the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office would investigate allegations of respirators imported by "Srebrna malina" and that the SC Prosecutor's Office had already formed a case.
It was established that the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton, based on media reports, in accordance with its jurisdiction, formed a case related to a letter from a doctor from KCUS, but also the usability of respirators in the treatment of patients at KCUS, severe consequences for health and life patients, as well as other problems in the functioning of the so-called COVID department, in which they will act in the coming period - it was said.

A few hours earlier, a meeting was held between the Chief Prosecutors of the Prosecutor's Office of B&H, Gordana Tadić and Sabina Sarajlija

Prosecutors and investigators of the SC Prosecutor's Office entered the KCUS

KCUS General Director Sebija Izetbegović answered a journalist's question about the so-called raspberry respirators and why she does not withdraw them from use.
- Today we received a question from Minister Vranić why we do not withdraw all respirators. It is not a problem if Vranić and Prime Minister Forto sign that we have to withdraw them, we will withdraw them. As long as we have a certificate from Verlab, we must not withdraw them, because we do not want to bear with the responsibility and pay China because we declared their respirators invalid, despite all the certificates - said Izetbegović.
She added that she is not a specialist in respirators and that other colleagues can talk about it more.

She added that she is not a specialist in respirators and that other colleagues can talk about it more

Sebija Izetbegović: We do not want to withdraw respirators, because we do not want to pay compensation to China

After the meeting of the members of the Government of SC and the leadership of KCUS, led by Sebija Izetbegović, the Prime Minister of SC Edin Forto addressed the journalists, and confirmed that the letter of the anesthesiologist published by "Avaz" yesterday was authentic.
- So, to investigate the allegations for the document, which KCUS confirmed today as authentic. They claim that the first published letter did not appear, and that the second exists and is part of the internal communication - said Forto.
The Prime Minister of SC revealed what was discussed.
- We requested that an expert body is formed by the federal government to establish the facts. Two things are in question. They claim that one letter does not exist, it is the first one. There is the other one and they call it a report. It’s internal communication and that’s true. We asked the inspection to enter the KCUS and determine the situation, and they refused. We will ask for more meetings and additional communication. Institutions need to do their job. We will contact the federal inspection in writing to establish the facts. We have an urgent session of the SC Government on this issue - said the Prime Minister of SC Edin Forto.
Haris Vranić, the Minister of Health of the Sarajevo Canton, said that at this moment, it is most necessary for the institutions to do their job.
- KCUS did not accept our conclusion. I think that in the next period, better communication with KCUS must be established and we should return to legal flows. KCUS should stop being a closed fortress - said Haris Vranić, Minister of Health of SC.
He called on everyone who has the knowledge to say it publicly. He pointed out that he would address the Federal Ministry of Health and the inspection today with a request to investigate all allegations.

KCUS should stop being a closed fortress, said Haris Vranić, SC Minister of Health

KCUS confirmed: The letter from the anesthesiologist published by "Avaz" yesterday is authentic and is part of internal communication

Sebija Izetbegović, Director General of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS), addressed the media today, after she had a meeting with Haris Vranić, the Minister of Health of the Sarajevo Canton.-I did what Vranić asked me to, I received an invitation at 8:10 AM, the meeting was boring, wonderful, the meetings with Vranić are always like that. Prime Minister Forto (Edin Forto op.cit.) also joined the meeting. The topic was two letters that appeared in public, and then he said "it's not that important, and it is important", that's how our meeting started. I am sorry that these meetings are not being recorded - said Izetbegović.
According to her, they first discussed the first letter.
- We have started talking about the first letter, which is the subject of a police investigation and we will ask for a police investigation. That letter was not sent to me, it is anonymous and not relevant. The letter has no signatories, it talks about unknown things. We will sue all the portals that waved that letter - said Izetbegović and continued:

- The second letter is an inter-collegiate letter, it was not addressed to me, I did not see it, but I learned from colleagues that they had a meeting and agreed to form working groups and solve all problems one by one in working groups. Vranić said that KCUS is a closed fortress, and he did not say that he had been a guest of KCUS once before, and also an employee. He had zero surgeries in 12 months. I tried to explain that not all people who work want to communicate with the public. Colleagues do not want journalists to enter and record in KCUS, it is stressful for employees. We must also preserve the identity of the patients. We don’t want to make extradition out of our business. I tried to explain to them that I had called my colleague Bajramović, who had been running the Podhrastovi isolation ward for a long time - said Izetbegović.

I did what Vranić asked me to, I received an invitation at 8:10 AM, the meeting was boring, wonderful, the meetings with Vranić are always like that, said Izetbegović

KCUS Director Sebija Izetbegović is threatening journalists with police

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H, Gordana Tadić, and her associates met with the Chief Prosecutor of the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of the Sarajevo Canton, Sabina Sarajlija, and her Deputy.

The meeting discussed current events in the past few days, related to respirators and treatment of COVID 19 patients at KCUS, as well as further activities of prosecutorial and judicial institutions.
Considering that the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H has previously acted in the case, which was opened before the indictment in the Novalić and others, and which refers to assistance to the perpetrator after the commission of a criminal offense by several persons, the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H has taken action and continues to work in this case.
The Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton, based on media reports, in accordance with its jurisdiction, formed a case related to a letter from a doctor from KCUS, about the usability of respirators in the treatment of patients in KCUS, severe consequences for the health and life of patients, as well as other problems in the functioning of the so-called Covid department, in which they will act in the coming period.

It was agreed at the meeting that the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H and the Prosecutor's Office of SC, within the above cases, will act urgently in coordinated activities, and exchange collected information and evidence, in order to determine all facts and circumstances under which ACM 812A respirators were put into operation and used to treat patients with COVID 19.

The topic of the meeting was a letter that doctors from KCUS sent to the public a few days ago, but also to the Management of this health institution, when it comes to the treatment of patients with COVID

Meeting of Chief Prosecutors Tadić and Sarajlija ended: SC Prosecutor's Office Forms Case on Letter from KCUS doctors

US Ambassador to B&amp;H Eric Nelson gave an exclusive interview to "Daily avaz", in which he spoke about the latest statements of the Russian Ambassador to our country, which are related to the NATO path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, then about the new High Representative, changes to the Election law, corruption, which he says is a cancer of Bosnia and Herzegovina's society...

Russian Ambassador to B&amp;H Igor Kalabukhov recently stated that the rapprochement between B&amp;H and NATO is a hostile step towards Russia. How do you comment on that?
-My response instead of threats NATO and the EU... US as a NATO ally is offering to Bosnia and Herzegovina a strong parthership and open hand. A partnership commited to reforms and progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The NATO partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina has been important for years and has taken a new step forward as we move to the Programe of reforms where Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to define the progress they want to achieve with allies support. That progress, those reforms are complimentary to the reforms neccesary for the EU path.
&nbsp;And the Programe of reforms is the guide for the US and for other allies to respond and to provide assistance as Bosnia and Herzegovina most needs. So NATO's efforts to help this country move forward continue, this is assistance offered with an open hand. As a collection of allies we're concensus organization and it's important to us that we operate by consensus and it is clear also that we recognize the consensus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
And now I see that consensus as a broad support for an effective NATO partnership. Strong appreciation for the assistance NATO allies can bring to help move the country forward. And appreciation of the peace NATO has brought to the region and to the Bosnia and Herzegovina and the opportunity that NATO's assistance in these reforms can strenghten security, rule of law, expand prosperity and attract investment.

Can Russia influence B&amp;H's path to NATO? That is, how and when can B&amp;H create eventual NATO membership?

-NATO's door stands open. The path to that open door, the path to membership is path that has many milestones defined by the reforms. And progress that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to achieve. Progress in raising Bosnia and Herzegovina's standards for security, standards for rule of law, standards for governance, standards for accountability, standards for fighting corruption, standards for modernization of defense. 
All of this progress are milestones on the path which we support Bosnia and Herzegovina moving forward on. To one day reach that open door and be able to decide when all allies by consensus also decide Bosnia and Herzegovina you're ready, you're welcome. And at that point that the consensus among the citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the consensus in the Government be strong that this is a partnership, this is a alliance that makes sense for Bosnia and Herzegovina that will secure lasting prosperity and lasting security for this country and it's neighbours as it has for all NATO members across Europe and the Atlantic. 
I just want to reinforce. B&amp;H is a sovereign country. The speed which they move on that path is decided by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision to join the alliance will be taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's a sovereign country and no other country can tell them what their goals should be. But we understand the goals of citizens. We understand that the citizens are looking for strenghtening rule of law, they want security, they want prosperity and that's what we will support. That continued progress in improving in those areas.

So, in NATO only with the consensus of everyone in B&amp;H...
-NATO is a coalition of willing partners. And the decision to join NATO will require consensus within the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because we need leaders who see the value of this kind of partnership and are willing to build on it and bring better results for citizens. So, it will be a leadership decision. This is a stated goal of Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we support that goal. But we know that we don't want a reluctant member. And I'm confident that more and more as this partnership progresses as reforms take wholes, that consensus will be strong.
After Joe Biden was elected President of the United States, the stronger involvement of the American administration in B&amp;H is increasingly mentioned in public. There are also talks of a possible initiative for changes to the Dayton Constitution of B&amp;H, all with the aim of a more functional organization of the state of B&amp;H. How realistic are the expectations of the public and the citizens of B&amp;H?
-I think that first of all every change in the administration in the United States brings new energy, new perspective and new focus to the White House. And it's clear that this change in the administration president Biden brings with him, decades of the expirience in foreign policy and a first hand knowledge and experience with the Western Balkans, with Bosnia and Herzegovina. He knows what the challenges are, he knows how long these challenges have remained and how difficult Bosnia and Herzegovina recent history has been. 
I always re-emphasize as well how regardless of the administration what's I hope every citizen appreciates, and factors into those expectations you talk about is the very consistent support from Washington which is bipartisan support where year after year the Congress of the United States, both parties, support and commit resources to Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress. So that has changed little. We still support Bosnia and Herzegovina's success.
Expectation of citizens, I think Secretary Blinken's letter yesterday to the Presidency is a good reference point for people to understand what the Biden administration sees as the issues in 2021. in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the opportunities. First of all is that, I think the Secretary reaffirmed that the United States stands with the citizens. The United States listens, supports what B&amp;H citizens are aspiring to, what their expectations are for security, for peace, for prosperity, for rule of law. 
And these are expectations which are not being met right now in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we know that there are many shortcomings. There are shortcomings in the Dayton Constitution. The courts have made that clear. Those shortcomings need to be adressed and as Secretary Blinken said they can be adressed through serious dialogue, meaningful compromise, expanding consensus on adressing the reforms including limitet constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina so that next elections in 2022. will be fair and that every citizen will have an equal opportunity to be a candidate and every citizen will feel that their vote counts.
From the letter of the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken it should be noted that there will be no radical changes to the Constitution, but that with talks and consensus there will be a gradual change of the Constitution of B&amp;H ...
-Yes exactly. I think that was the main point of the Secretary's letter, you give me an opportunity to quote it. The Secretary noted that difficult and complex problems can be adressed through step-by-step negotiations that require compromise and dialogue. We know this can work because it worked last year to resolve the long standing barricade on elections in Mostar. 
2021. the US sees as the year of the opportunity. It is not an election year. It is the year when reforms should be tackled. Serious reforms should be tackled. If we try to fix everything we're likely to fail. If we try, if we consider the only outcome, acceptable outcome is perfection we will surely fail. But if we focus on what can be improved this year incrementally on top priorities that we see are well laid out in 14 key priorities of the EU opinion which in the 5 + 2 agenda is parallel and complementary, this is about incremental change. 
As a Secretary said „focus on implementing limited but significant constitutional, electoral, rule of law and economic reforms to ensure the rights of all citizens in the electoral process, improve judicial integrity, reduce the scope for corruption, enhance economic recovery and begin to restore citizen confidence“. 
That is a long list. Because the list of things that citizens want to see repaired is even longer. But that's a list where we see real opportunity for progress this year. If political leaders engage in serious dialogue and be ready for the compromise necessary to help this country move forward to the benefit of all of it's citizens.

Negotiations between the SDA and HDZ on changes to the Election Law are underway. The HDZ insists on resolving the "legitimate representation of Croats". How do you comment on these negotiations? Should other political actors be included in the negotiations on the Election Law and discuss other obvious problems and shortcomings of the election process, the prevention of election theft, the introduction of, for example, electronic voting?
- Well the kind of reforms that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to tackle in 2021. all require serious dialogue, compromise and consensus. That kind of serious dialogue is going to need expanding transparency. All parties need to participate. And it also will need institutional support. This is not about the will of any party above another. This is about multiple parties coming together to compromise on electoral reform above all. And what is the package that would be necessary for enough parties to come together to agree on electoral reform to achieve that goal I've mentioned of 2022. being a year of freer elections where every citizen is able to be a candidate and every citizen feels that their vote counts. 
So, that kind of reform is going to require not just legislative change, changes to the election law will not alone adress Sejdić-Finci in the European Court of Human Rights rulings. Those must also be adressed. So, we've got election law reform is one basket that needs to be adressed. The second basket is the Sejdić-Finci and the European Court of Human Rights rulings which identify the shortcomings in the election process, which will require limited constitutional reform. And the third basket which is part of this reaching fairer elections that are more satisfying to citizens is the election reform. The implementation of the recommendation ODIHR and GRECO, of the Council of Europe and of the OSCE on the major weaknesses in the election processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
So that's an essential element as well. An element that we know is necessary to bring support from all parties and from all citizens. How does this all make sense and how do we reach fairer elections? I want to add, there is an important component here and some conditions. One is that this is not just the political party exercise. This will be an institutional exercise as well. This begins with political parties discussing ideas and trying to build consensus. But it ends with the Parliment finally taking a vote. So all of these proposals will become reality when they pass the Parliment. So the Parliment will have the final say. And the implementation will require the institutions engaging, above all Central Election Commision. So the Central Election Commision is a fundamental. Their participation in this process is fundamental.

And the United States support of this process is support of a ODIHR led process where ODIHR has led this process in multiple countries. And their approach requires that the CEC be involved. Because how can you reform elections if you're not including the Central Election Commission. So, we see that as important, we knows they need their meaningfull voice, meaningful participation, we know all parties need to have meaningful participation and the condition of the US is that all of these changes to the constitutional or the election law be steps forward. We're not here to facilitate and we will not support changes that actually take the country backward, that don't advance the country on its path to achieving, to move it closer to the EU, that don't empower citizens and improve the integrity of their vote and the equal participation of all citizens in the election process. 
So that is certanly a clear condition that the US has in our understanding of this kind of reform looks like, what we know, what we believe citizens are desperate for and that we believe also is achievable.

Corruption has been cited for years as a cancer of B&amp;H society. It appears to have escalated during the coronavirus pandemic. You talk about it regularly in public appearances. Do you think that enough is being done in the fight against corruption and what needs to be done to finally deal with this scourge in B&amp;H?
- I like your description of corruption. I too describe it as a cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Corruption is a cancer on any democracy. Corruption is lifeblood in for an autocracy. But for a democracy it's like cancer. And it needs to be attacked. It needs to be navigated, it needs to be fought. The efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adress corruption are inadequate. I'm afraid the cancer is winning. And I'm afraid many citizens, I know many citizens have that sense as well. And I think we see that most grievously in the exodus of families, of youth from Bosnia and Herzegovina who are thinking they could give up and seek up opportunity elsewhere. In countries they overwhelmingly choose to leave for the members of Euro - Atlantic community. Where they know rule of law is strong, opportunity exists, security exists, individual rights are guaranteed. 
Attacking corruption has got to be a priority. And I want to talk to you about a couple of ways that the United States thinks it needs to be tackled. One is at the high level. Within the European Union's 14 key priorities there's avery strong emphasis on strengthening rule of law. This specific targets for strengthening rule of law include a conflict of interest law that meets EU standards, reforms to HJPC law that bring integrity to that troubled institution, important reforms like asset declaration.
Also in the 14 key priorities is passing a public procurement law to limit the unacceptable level of corruption in public procurement. There's now a law that Council of Ministers has approved which the EU Delegation has assessed, it meets European Union standards. It is important that that law not be watered down in Parliment. There's already 7 pages of amendments attempting to water it down. 
So those are three reforms that should be adopted in 2021. to tackle corruption, to begin to fight this cancer. The cancer also needs to be attacked day to day. And there are several ways to do this. One is for citizens to feel empowered, for journalists to feel empowered, and USAID assistance is working to empower civil society, to support investigative journalism, to fulfill that role. But we are also working with local governments who are willing to get serious abut fighting corruption by pursuing a model we see as quite effective which is an Anti – corruption office. Sarajevo Canton set up the first and it's been effective in a setting up a broader attack on cancer because this model which we hope to expand to more cantons and jurisdictions in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes that cancer must be attacked by law enforcement, by judiciary but also by the institutions themselves, the administration. 
The Anti-corruption office works on ensuring that they are administrative penalties, that there are systems in transparency and controls to live it and discourage corruption and penalize it before it even needs to reach the prosecute. Which brings me back to the judiciary and the losing war on this cancer here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because the prosecutor in your analogy needs to be the surgeon removing the tumor of cancer from the body. And we see too few prosecutors in this country willing to take on that operation. There are a few, there are too few. 
And out assistance is targeting those who come under attack as does the Anti-corruption office. We're trying to fight invested interests. To empower them to do their job but judiciary, sadly is not active in this war. The number of prosecutions of high level corruption is disgraceful. And citizes see that. And this is what saps the hope of citizens. And this is why we see 2021. as an important year to adress this. 
It is not going to be keep cured for one day to the next. But every political party, every government institution, every citizen should be reaching the point to say enough. It's time to take action, it's time to fight corruption and put it in it's place. Whether you're cutting out the tumor or fighting it with good medicine. And good transparency, like x-rays on the cancer.

<h2>B&H did not meet the criteria to end the OHR</h2>

There are more and more talks about the arrival of a new High Representative in B&amp;H, and Christian Schmidt from Germany is mentioned as a candidate. Is the US administration involved in talks on appointing a new High Representative? Who could it be and what can we expect from the new High Representative?
- Above all the United States supports the office of the High Representative and it's ability to meet it's mandate of ensuring full implementation of these civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Accords. The OHR clearly still has an important critical role, function to play here in B&amp;H and because by all measures B&amp;H has not reached the criteria for graduation from international supervision which were set in 2008. by the Peace Implementation Council. They were simply defined as the 5 + 2 agenda. 5 objectives and 2 conditions which the Peace Implementation considered would describe Bosnia and Herzegovina readiness to graduate from international supervision.
The progress on that agenda has been very dissapointingly so not for lack of action by the High Representative with international community. The lack we've talked about, we expected local responsibility for the progress and there's been little. The United States will continue to support, we'll always support the High Representative, empowered and engaged to hold who is accountable, to help to move this country to graduation from international supervision. The results so far are inadequate, I think it's most obvious in the weak state's functionality.
Regarding the discussions of a change in the High Representative, United States sees that leadership transition is inevitable with every institution. And we support a continuity, we support effectiveness and we support the High Representative being able to fulfill the mandate and achieve the results that the PIC is expecting and I think that and I know that the citizens are expecting.

<h2> There are allegations of serious corruption at the time of the pandemic</h2>

The authorities in B&amp;H, as an argument for not procuring the vaccines against COVID-19, are most often found in problems with public procurement laws. Is it a legitimate argument? Has enough been done on this issue?
- I think the difficulties that we are observing, the problems that we are observing with procurements during the pandemic period give us examples how the law is inadequate. On one hand there are allegations of serious corruption. Corruption that sadly even costs lives in this important fight againts pandemic. But, even that this kind of procurement cannot move forward confidently with transparency is indicator that the procurement law need to be updated, that the system does not bring in adequate competition, does not limit the conflict of interest, that does not have adequate transparency. All of those things need to be strengthen. 
Because this hobles the government. It waists money, and it creates delays that even can cost lives. So I think it is an example of where the current public procurement laws are inadequate, begging with this state level.

<h2>All reforms that the United States will support are based on Dayton</h2>

-I find it important to always reaffirm as people are debating what these limited constitutional reforms look like. To reaffirm that all of these reforms that the US will support are built on that platform of the Dayton Constitution, are fundametally recognized in the principles od Dayton that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a sovereign country with teritorial integrity, consisting of a multiethnic country, consisting of three peoples and two entities. So I always reaffirm that is the constant.

Secretary Blinken noted that difficult and complex problems can be resolved through negotiations, step by step

US Ambassador Eric Nelson for "Avaz": Number of high-level criminal charges in the field of corruption is shameful

Emina Šalaka died on Thursday, April 1st, 2021. at KCUS in the evening due to the consequences of the coronavirus. Her daughter, Almira Šalaka - Avdić, reveals in a confession for "Avaz" that her death was preceded by seven days of agony, humiliation, ridicule and ignorance by the KCUS staff.

- On Thursday, March 25th, my mother was admitted to KCUS. It took me a good few hours to find out which ward she was hospitalized in. I even called the office of the director of KCUS, Sebija Izetbegović, to try to reach my mother, to know where she was placed and what was happening to her, so they called, but not to say in which department my mother was placed, but to tell me which number I can call and find this out. And this is where our agony of calling them starts. In one day, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, I called that number 260 times. Nobody answered - Šalaka-Avdić begins her confession.
She points out that even if they managed to get someone at KCUS, they would most often not get information about where and in what condition her mother was, and they were even exposed to open ridicule and provocations.
- My son Dino works at the General Hospital in Dubrovnik and his wife runs the entire COVID department at the Dubrovnik Hospital, so he is a medically educated person. My mother died Thursday, at 8:45 PM. At 7:10 PM that day, my son called from the hospital, he was on duty, His call was answered by a doctor who did not introduce herself, she talked to him very ugly. She said that if he wanted information about my mother that he had to send an email to be granted information about her medical records. He asked how high CO2 is, because if it is high, it means that his grandmother is very bad. She told him "what does that mean to you", I can't tell you on the phone. To this my son said "my uncle will come there, so tell him personally". She started making fun of him with the words "what does dundo mean (uncle, Op. Cit.), what does „osobno“ (personal) mean for you, learn to talk" and hung up the phone – this is how our interlocutor describes her son's conversations with the doctor.

<h2> First waiver of compensation, then medicine</h2>

Šalaka-Avdic states that they had to wait more than a day for the approval of the medicine her mother needed. 
- We waited 30 hours for the mother to be approved a medicine that costs 1,350 marks. We would buy twenty of them, we stressed to them that we had money, but even when we got approval, the doctor waited for my brother to come and sign to waive the fee. Of course he gave up, but can you imagine what they do and what their priority is, while the woman is dying - says Šalaka-Avdić through tears.

Because of everything, she says, she decided to turn to Sebija Izetbegović to complain about her experience, and after she did not contact her, she filed a complaint against the director of KCUS.
- After my mother's death, I called Sebija Izetbegović thirty times, she never answered. My lawyer sent the lawsuit to Ms. Izetbegović via e-mail on Thursday at 8:30 AM and we will go with the lawsuit. Not for compensation, not for the death of the mother or similar, but only so that some other families do not go through what we went through for seven days - says in her confession the shaken Almira Šalaka-Avdić.

Almira Šalaka - Avdić says that for days they refused to tell her where he mother was and in what condition

Šalaka-Avdić: Izetbegović did not even want to call her

Dubrovnik woman describes horror at KCUS: My mother died, they made fun of us, insulted us, I will sue Sebija Izetbegović

Nijaz Skenderagić, vice president of SABNOR, rejected his candidacy for mayor of Sarajevo.
He announced this to the public himself.
- I had a conversation with the SDP commissioner for Sarajevo Canton and thanked him for candidacy for mayor of Sarajevo, which I could not accept.
Being a candidate for mayor is a great honor and recognition. Especially a city like Sarajevo. My generation grew up in an environment of daily care, desire and efforts to make Sarajevo always more beautiful and better. In every look.
As it was an honor and a privilege to be one of the people who were participants in the construction of the facilities and the organization of the Winter Olympic games in 1984. This is a city we should be proud of and do everything to give it back the charm and spirit.
I thank everyone who thought that my l could successfully steer a Sarajevo ship
My dream is for Sarajevo to be as it used to be. A city where everyone will enjoy - said Skenderagić.
He told "Avaz" that the reasons for the rejection are not important and that we should "leave it for another time".

Joint statement by the EU in B&H, U.S. Embassy in B&H, British Embassy in B&H and the OHR: Urgently unblock the work of the FB&H Securities Commission

France opens probe into secret parties amid pandemic

European Council chief visits Libya, expresses support

France, EU reach refinancing deal for Air France-KLM

Turkey launches probe into Facebook over data leak

Putin signs law allowing him to run for two more terms in Kremlin

Greece looks to ease pressure with cautious shops reopening

Director of UCC Tuzla denied Sebija Izetbegović: We did not put anyone on "Raspberry respirators"

Prosecutors and investigators of the SC Prosecutor's Office entered the KCUS

Sebija Izetbegović: We do not want to withdraw respirators, because we do not want to pay compensation to China

KCUS confirmed: The letter from the anesthesiologist published by "Avaz" yesterday is authentic and is part of internal communication

KCUS Director Sebija Izetbegović is threatening journalists with police

Meeting of Chief Prosecutors Tadić and Sarajlija ended: SC Prosecutor's Office Forms Case on Letter from KCUS doctors

US Ambassador Eric Nelson for "Avaz": Number of high-level criminal charges in the field of corruption is shameful

Dubrovnik woman describes horror at KCUS: My mother died, they made fun of us, insulted us, I will sue Sebija Izetbegović

Nijaz Skenderagić rejected the candidacy for mayor of Sarajevo

News

Joint statement by the EU in B&H, U.S. Embassy in B&H, British Embassy in B&H and the OHR: Urgently unblock the work of the FB&H Securities Commission

France opens probe into secret parties amid pandemic

European Council chief visits Libya, expresses support

France, EU reach refinancing deal for Air France-KLM

Turkey launches probe into Facebook over data leak

Putin signs law allowing him to run for two more terms in Kremlin

Greece looks to ease pressure with cautious shops reopening

Director of UCC Tuzla denied Sebija Izetbegović: We did not put anyone on "Raspberry respirators"

Prosecutors and investigators of the SC Prosecutor's Office entered the KCUS

Sebija Izetbegović: We do not want to withdraw respirators, because we do not want to pay compensation to China

KCUS confirmed: The letter from the anesthesiologist published by "Avaz" yesterday is authentic and is part of internal communication

KCUS Director Sebija Izetbegović is threatening journalists with police

Meeting of Chief Prosecutors Tadić and Sarajlija ended: SC Prosecutor's Office Forms Case on Letter from KCUS doctors

US Ambassador Eric Nelson for "Avaz": Number of high-level criminal charges in the field of corruption is shameful

Dubrovnik woman describes horror at KCUS: My mother died, they made fun of us, insulted us, I will sue Sebija Izetbegović

Nijaz Skenderagić rejected the candidacy for mayor of Sarajevo