New Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina meets Foreign Minister

SARAJEVO, 29 August 2011 – Ambassador Fletcher M. Burton took up his duties today as Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meeting with Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj. They discussed the role of the OSCE in BiH and Ambassador Burton reaffirmed the Mission’s engagement in key areas for the country’s future.

“The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has excellent co-operation with the BiH authorities and civil society. Our common efforts are essential to help the country implement its OSCE commitments. I look forward to continuing our support to the country in progressing towards its stated goal of European integration, by helping strengthen its institutions, respect for the rule of law, and protection of the rights of all citizens,” said Burton.

A U.S. career diplomat, Burton served as the Head of the U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kirkuk, Iraq, prior to taking up his post at the OSCE Mission. Previous diplomatic postings include assignments in Afghanistan, Germany and Saudi Arabia, as well as in the U.S. State Department in Washington.

He has extensive experience in the Balkans, having served as Deputy International Civilian Representative in Kosovo and, during 1995-1996, as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. In 2010, the U.S. State Department recognized Burton’s work in the region with the Rockwell Anthony Schnabel Award for Advancing U.S.-EU Relations.

Ambassador Burton holds a Master’s degree from Princeton University and a Bachelor’s from Amherst College. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bonn.

He succeeds Ambassador Gary D. Robbins as head of the OSCE Mission.