The Bosniak American Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BAACBH) is extending its gratitude to Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia, Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), and Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) on a productive
trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which represented a commitment by the U.S. government for a renewed engagement in the Balkan region. It was also an example of a continued U.S. effort to support genuine economic and political development in Bosnia and Herzegovina in its process of
integration into the European Union and NATO, both of which are fundamental to the democratic process in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The U.S. Congressional Delegation visit to BiH on July 11, 2009, was to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, during which 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were brutally killed at the hands of the paramilitary forces led by General Ratko Mladic, an indicted war criminal
who is still at large. Those who remain in BiH, as well as the many that left the country, have to live with the memory of these atrocious crimes every day. The U.S. Congressional Delegation visit was a welcome sign that signals to the international community that the U.S. has not and will not forget
this crime and that on this somber occasion the ideals of persistence and dedication to the peace process in BiH remain a central component of the U.S. foreign policy agenda. For this, we would like to thank Congressman Carnahan who initiated this trip and express our sincere appreciation for his dedication to human rights, BiH, and his Bosnian-American constituents.

BAACBH, formed in 2005, is a Washington, D.C.- based non-profit, non-governmental, and nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating for Bosnian-Americans living in the United States and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and initiation of educational and developmental programs.