The U.S. Embassy Sarajevo issued the following:
On December 9, 2004, NATO announced for the second time that Bosnia and Herzegovina would not be able to enter its Partnership for Peace program, based on Bosnia’s continued lack of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to bring war criminals to justice. The NATO communiqué pointed specifically to the failure of Republika Srpska (RS) authorities in this regard.
The NATO announcement could engender a series of political reactions in Bosnia, especially in the Republika Srpska. At this time, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is taking a cautious approach to travel in the Republika Srpska and is monitoring the security situation throughout the RS. The Embassy urges American citizens to carefully evaluate travel plans in the RS and to consider postponing non-essential travel in that area.
The Embassy also takes this opportunity to remind American citizens to be aware of their personal security at all times, and to take all reasonable measures to ensure their safety. In the event of an emergency or if more information is needed, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo can be contacted at (033) 445-700, extensions 2499, 2210 or 2337. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found, including the Travel Warning on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).