Jim Murphy

Queer Sarajevo Festival

This week saw the launch of the 'Queer Sarajevo Festival' . This was meant to be a celebration of  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights and freedoms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to promote tolerance and diversity. I was shocked and saddened to hear that following an outbreak of violence on Wednesday night the organisers felt they had to take the decision to cancel the remainder of the festival.
 
Homophobic violence has no place in any society. Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed up to various international human rights treaties that forbid discrimination and under Bosnian law such discrimination is illegal. It is important that all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and all over the world, should be allowed to enjoy their human rights without fear of violence, intimidation or discrimination on the basis of their beliefs or sexuality. The British Embassy has been keeping in close touch with the festival organisers and issued a joint press statement with other Embassies in Sarajevo condemning the violence. And as the UK Government, we urge the Bosnian authorities to take strong action against those who perpetrated this violence.

Posted at 15:36 26 September 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[2]

The Balkans - international pressure point

The world has rightly been focussing on the crisis in Georgia and I've also blogged about it in the last couple of weeks. But it is important that we don't forget about the other international pressure points - one of which is Bosnia and Herzegovina. This week I met Miroslav Lajcak, the International Community's most senior representative there. Bosnia and Herzegovina was the scene of unspeakable ethnic cleansing in the 1990s. I visited Sarajevo earlier in the year and saw the progress but also the pressures. A wide-ranging agreement with the EU in June was an important step. But there remain significant obstacles to progress and we have to maintain our focus to ensure the country moves forward.

The Balkans remains a sensitive region. Kosovo is now independent and faces the challenge of building a successful multi-ethnic country ; Serbia has elected a moderate government and faces the challenge of moving definitively towards Europe; Karadzic is appearing before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia charged with war crimes, but Mladic remains on the run; and Macedonia remains fragile and in dispute with Greece over its name. All of these are complex situations, and until they're resolved, rebuilding following the shattering consequences of the break up of Yugoslavia will not be complete.

Posted at 15:18 05 September 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[1]

Karadzic arrest

I was really pleased to hear the news that Radovan Karadzic has been arrested in Serbia.  Karadzic has blood on his hands and the world is a better place now that he has been detained.  He organised the murder of thousands of innocent people in a vile campaign of ethnic cleansing.  We should congratulate the Serbian government for this achievement.  Having seen first hand the efforts to rebuild Bosnia after the terrible three way civil war, I think that this is an important step.

Posted at 12:38 23 July 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[9]

Visiting Sarajevo

Today I'm visiting Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzogovina - a hugely historic city both in the recent and more distant past - at both ends of the 20th century (read more about the country's history here). I hope to be able to see some of that history during my 3 day visit, but my priority will be to communicate the message, to politicians and the public, that the UK is absolutely supportive of BiH's European ambitions. As you know, BiH is not a member of the EU, but it is very keen to join. We are committed to providing the support needed to help ensure the necessary conditions are met, but I'll also be making clear to all of the politicians I meet that making a European future a reality depends on delivery of key reforms, and following the Dayton Peace agreement. You will recall that that agreement was to help reconcile Bosnian Serbs, Croats and Muslims after the dreadful civil war in this part of the former Yugolslavia. BiH's political leaders have a real chance to make a hugely positive contribution in writing a new chapter in their future, by allowing the citizens to enjoy the benefits of full European integration. I will keep you posted.

(PS I 'm also looking forward to playing football for the British Embassy's team, against the BiH All Stars. Watch out for footage later in the week!)

Posted at 16:24 18 March 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[0]