2009 Press Releases

Open Letter to the Citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina

September 24, 2009

SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE
SHAPE BELGIUM

I had the honor and privilege of visiting yor beautiful country for the first time since becoming Commander of European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. My heart was deeply warmed by the enthusiasm, graciousness and openness of everyone I met.

During my visit, I attended the closing ceremony of the European Command sponsored Combined Endeavor command and control exercise hosted by the Bosnia-Herzegovina Army, together with the U.S. Embassy. At the Exercise's closing event, I met with BiH's three presidents (Zeljko Komsic, Haris Silajdzic, and Nebojsa Radmanovic), the Minister of Defense Selmo Cikotic, and the Chief of Defense Lieutenant General Milivojevic. I expressed appreciation for the impressive effort BiH had made in hosting the successful exercise, a historic first reflecting the great strides Bosnia-Herzegovina has made in its agenda for defense reform.

I also made a public address in the closing ceremony focusing on the transformational impact of your efforts to build a worthy bridge of international cooperation, the theme of Combined Endeavor.

I enjoyed my brief visit to this beautiful country and my lasting impression will be the incredible hospitality with which I was welcomed. All the best to you, and I look forward to returning to Bosnia-Herzegovina soon.

James G. Stavridis
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, European Command
Supreme Allied Commander Europe