2008 Press Releases

Statement on the threat to PDHR Raffi Gregorian

December 19, 2008

The United States Government (USG) deplores the threat made against Principal Deputy High Representative Raffi Gregorian, an American diplomat seconded to the OHR.  The USG takes all such threats seriously, and it is being investigated.  Early indications are that the letter is from an individual, who is portraying himself as a group and who has no means to fulfill his disgusting threats.  Nor does he have means to pay others to carry out the despicable act defined in his letter.

In its most recent communiqué, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board expressed its deep concern about the use of destructive rhetoric by politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Unfortunately, over the last several months an appalling campaign has been conducted against U.S. diplomats falsely portraying them as “out to get” specific individuals or institutions.  The environment created by this campaign has the potential to transform threats, however empty in themselves, into dangerous actions. 

The USG calls on everyone to cease and desist in the use of language that attempts to demonize USG officials, or those in the International Community.

The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo appreciates the strong cooperation of local authorities in this investigation.