Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited West Herzegovina Canton (WHC) and Mostar today, where he met with senior cantonal officials and religious leaders to discuss anti-corruption efforts, the security environment, and the importance of dialogue to enhance trust and resilience to tensions, including ahead of elections.
In meetings with Predrag Čović, Prime Minister of West Herzegovina Canton, Vjekoslav Lasić, Minister of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, and Ivan Jelčić, Speaker of the WHC Assembly, Ambassador Holtzapple welcomed the Government's continued progress in advancing anti-corruption reforms. This includes the implementation of the previous Anti-corruption Strategy, as well as its commitment to adopt a new strategy for the 2026-2030 period.
He further underscored the importance of establishing an independent and professional anti-corruption office with a strong mandate, calling for concrete steps toward its operationalization, including the necessary legal, technical, and logistical requirements. Ambassador Holtzapple also encouraged the WHC Government to keep continuously implementing the curriculum reform in the canton's primary and secondary schools.
Turning to security issues, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Mladen Bebek, Minister of Interior, and Ivan Brkić, Police Commissioner, to discuss the current security environment and recent incidents and trends that may impact stability and public confidence. He commended the Ministry's efforts to strengthen the safety of journalists, including the designation of a dedicated focal point, and expressed readiness to continue co-operation in 2026, particularly through capacity-building support for Ministry personnel.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Holtzapple visited the Žitomislić Monastery, and he also met with religious leaders, including Abbot Danilo, Salem ef. Dedović, Mostar Mufti, and Duško Kojić, First Mostar Parish Priest and the Governor of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
In these discussions, he encouraged religious leaders to use their influence to ease tensions and promote mutual respect and dialogue, particularly in the pre-election period, when social and political dynamics can become more strained. He emphasized the important role of all societal actors, especially religious leaders, in preserving peace and stability.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the OSCE Mission's commitment to supporting reform processes, strengthening institutions, and fostering dialogue across communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
