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
