WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07), and Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07) released the following statement after they introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act. This legislation passed the House last year.
"As the Mayor of Dayton during the historic Dayton Peace Accords in 1995, I understand the importance of diplomacy and constructive engagement in resolving conflicts. Achieving peace is not easy, but it is something that America should support as an advocate for international order and the rule of law. However, peace agreements are only sustainable if all parties are willing to come to the table," said Congressman Mike Turner. "Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act demonstrates the United States' unwavering dedication to advancing security and preventing violence. By holding accountable those who undermine peace agreements, we send a strong message that the international community will not tolerate actions that perpetuate conflict and human suffering."
“As Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative of the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I know just how important it is we uphold stability in the region and stand strong against destructive politicians who seek to undo years of peace," said Vice Chair Ann Wagner. "We will not allow corrupt politicians in Bosnia, often backed by the Putin regime, to threaten the Dayton Accords and make life that much more dangerous for all those in the region. This bill will ensure we impose sanctions on these destabilizing criminals and deter bad actors, including Russia, from gaining a foothold in the region.”
“The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a government that values and prioritizes unity and democracy,” said Congressman Thomas Kean Jr. “Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will put Bosnia and Herzegovina on track to protecting its sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character from malign actors looking to violate the spirit of the Dayton Peace Accords. As Chairman of the European Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs, I’ll continue to fight for peace and stability in Europe and across the world.”
“We must support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in protecting their hard-won peace in the face of the forces of conflict and sectarianism, while at the same time making their democracy stronger, more representative, and more inclusive,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “Critically, this bill calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which require an end to existing ethnic and religious requirements on holding high-ranking political office—an unacceptable barrier for citizens of Jewish and Roma backgrounds, as well as all other citizens who do not fall within the three protected ethnic communities. I am pleased to once again work with Representative Wagner on this initiative to bring about greater opportunity, inclusion, and stability to the region."
Background:
This bill would:
1. State that it is the policy of the United States to support a unified, sovereign, and multiethnic BiH; use sanctions against those who undermine the Dayton Accords and Bosnian democratic institutions; encourage the EU to join the U.S. in sanctioning Dodik; expose Russia’s role in fueling instability in BiH and imperiling multilateral peacekeeping efforts; and work to protect the Office of the High Representative.
2. Codify, tailor, and mandate the authority to impose sanctions on foreign persons and adult family members who undermine the Dayton Accords or otherwise threaten the security of BiH. Sanctions must be imposed for:
- Forming or participating in forming parallel breakaway institutions.
- Violating or in any way obstructing the implementation of the Dayton Accords, including by threatening the Office of the High Representative.
- Undermining Bosnia’s democratic institutions.
3. Require robust and regular reporting to establish strong oversight.
Read the full one-pager here.