COPENHAGEN, 10 February 2014 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President and President of the Montenegrin Parliament Ranko Krivokapic today called for calm after several days of unrest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urged the government to renew its efforts to tackle unemployment and corruption.

"I am deeply disturbed by the recent violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has raised alarm throughout the region and beyond. I urge protesters to express their grievances peacefully and through democratic channels, which is the only way to produce the changes they need. I also urge the authorities to exercise restraint, safeguard freedom of assembly, and protect journalists covering these events," Krivokapic said.

"Bosnia's leaders must find the courage to work together. My hope is that the current situation will spur Bosnia's politicians into action to tackle the corruption, unemployment and poverty that is holding the country back. The Parliamentary Assembly stands ready to support and assist the country as it works toward a more prosperous, democratic future," Krivokapic added.

President Krivokapic is scheduled to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, where he will attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's Rose-Roth Seminar and meet with BiH authorities. The current unrest and the need for reform will be topics of discussion during his meetings with political leaders in Sarajevo and Banja Luka.