The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering closing nearly 30 diplomatic missions around the world, including two consulates in Bosnia and Herzegovina – in Mostar and Banja Luka. This was reported by the Serbian Economist with reference to an internal document of the US State Department.
The plans to reduce the diplomatic presence are related to the Trump administration’s intention to optimize federal budget expenditures. According to The New York Times, the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates is being considered, as well as the reduction or consolidation of staff in other foreign missions.
In Europe, the embassies in Luxembourg and Malta, as well as consulates in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the United Kingdom are under threat of closure. In Africa, embassies in the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo and South Sudan are to be closed.
The authorities of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, commented on the possible closure of US consulates as part of the US economic strategy. The Chairman of the
Republika Srpska National Assembly Chairman Nenad Stevandic noted that this reflects a change in Washington’s political course.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Sarajevo said it had no information about plans to close consulates and was continuing to operate as usual.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/840
The death toll from the devastating floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are being called the worst in decades, has already reached 19. On the morning of October 4, it was reported that heavy rains in Bosnia on Friday night had flooded several cities in the central and southern parts of the country.
After 16 people died in the municipality of Jablunice, rescuers also found the bodies of three people in the city of Fojnice, where the bad weather destroyed many houses and outbuildings.
Against this backdrop, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic agreed to provide all necessary assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Vucic previously noted that Serbia could send rescue helicopters and boats, as well as provide financial assistance.
And the Croatian prime minister said that his government is in constant contact with the head of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krishto, and is ready to provide “all the necessary assistance in eliminating the consequences of the flood.”
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, also confirmed the readiness to help. He noted that Bosnia could benefit from the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism, which it joined in 2022.
