NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR TO BOSNIA CHARLES ENGLISH PRESENTED HIS CREDENTIALS TO BOSNIAN PRESIDENT ZELJKO KOMSIC

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 7,2007) - The new U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English has arrived in Bosnia. During the presentation of credentials to the Bosnian Presidency, Ambassador English stated that the US was committed to helping Bosnia advance toward full integration with the European Union and NATO.

“I will do everything in my power to advance and deepen the close relationship the United States and Bosnia have so firmly established,” U.S. Ambassador said.

A career diplomat, Ambassador English most recently served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Career Development and Assignments in the Bureau of Human Resources in the U.S. State Department. Prior to that he served as Director of the Office of South Central Europe, managing relations with Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania. His overseas assignments include, among others, serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Zagreb, Croatia and as Counselor for Economic Affairs in Budapest, Hungary, US Embassy said.

The newly appointed Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English presented his credentials to the Bosnian Presidency Chairman Zeljko Komsic.

”The United States will continue supporting the Dayton Constitution and Bosnia's territorial integrity. The United States will support the leaders in Bosnia who are willing to work on the vision of a modern Bosnia”, Ambassador English said.

He said that Bosnia is at the crossroads. The country should go the way of the EU integrations because its people deserve that.

”Leaders need to make a clear choice and demonstrate their willingness to compromise. The USA will help realize that goal. We will support your efforts in the process of achieving progress in the field of strengthening democratic structures, legislature and economy. People of Bosnia needs to have a safe and prosperous future”, the new U.S. Ambassador said.

”Our two countries are strategic partners. I am pleased that you have been appointed the Ambassador. Bosnia is specific and you know what it feels like to live in a country of variety”, the Bosnian President Zeljko Komsic said.

”Reconciliation process is long and hard. Citizens need to be patient. We will support the people willing to go the way of reconciliation and you are known to be such a leader. I hereby would like to congratulate you on the efforts and energy you put in for the future of Bosnia. I want to be your partner in those efforts”, Ambassador English said.

Prior to his appointment, Ambassador English served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Career Development and Assignments in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State from 2006 to 2007. As Deputy Director, he was responsible for effecting the assignments of all members of the U.S. Foreign Service.

From 2003 to 2006, Ambassador English served as the Director of the Office of South Central European Affairs in the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs, where he was responsible for coordinating the State Department's approach to relations with countries in the Western Balkans. From 2002 to 2003, he served as the Director of the Office of European Union and Regional Affairs in the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Ambassador English’s previous overseas postings include serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Zagreb, Croatia from 1998 to 2001; as Embassy Counselor for Economic Affairs in Budapest, Hungary from 1992 to 1995; as Economic Officer in Athens, Greece from 1986 to 1988; and as Vice Consul/Economic Officer in Panama City, Panama from 1978 to 1980.

His previous domestic postings include serving as Director for Policy Coordination in the U.S. State Department's Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs from 1995 to 1998, where he coordinated efforts to promote police reform in Bosnia and Haiti; Special Assistant for Security Assistance and Arms Sales, and later Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary for International Security Affairs from 1989 to 1992; as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary from 1988 to 1989; and as an international financial economist in the Bureau for Economic and Business Affairs from 1982 to 1985.

Ambassador English received a Bachelor’s Degree from Princeton University and studied international economics at the graduate level at New York University. He is married to Patricia Espey-English and they have two children.