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Biden Arrives in Bosnia

Set to meet with presidency, Bosnian and Serbian leaders

By the Associated Press

Posted May 19, 2009 7:02 AM CDT

(AP) – Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Bosnia today, the first stop of a three-day trip aimed at demonstrating intensified US engagement in the Balkans. Biden landed in Sarajevo, where he is scheduled to meet Bosnia's three-person presidency, address parliament, and meet separately with the country's two staunchest rivals—Bosniak leader Haris Silajdzic and Milorad Dodik, head of the country's Serbs.

Biden's visit is being met with mixed feelings. Bosniaks are eager to see the US get more involved in Bosnia. But Serbs have scheduled protests to tell Washington to back off. Tomorrow, Biden will fly to Serbia, where his visit is widely viewed as a chance for a fresh start following years of strained ties. But many still view America as anti-Serb, and nationalist parties have openly opposed Biden's visit.

Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden , center left, walks with Bosnian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sven Alkalaj, far left, and U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English, second left, upon arrival at Sarajevo airport in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Biden's trip begins in Sarajevo and moves...
Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden , center left, walks with Bosnian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sven Alkalaj, far left, and U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English, second left, upon arrival...   (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
VP Joe Biden walks with Bosnian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sven Alkalaj, left, and US Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English, right, upon arrival at Sarajevo airport on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
VP Joe Biden walks with Bosnian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sven Alkalaj, left, and US Ambassador to Bosnia Charles English, right, upon arrival at Sarajevo airport on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
Vice President Joe Biden stands on the front door upon arrival at Sarajevo airport in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Biden's trip begins in Sarajevo and moves to Serbia and Kosovo.
Vice President Joe Biden stands on the front door upon arrival at Sarajevo airport in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Biden's trip begins in Sarajevo and moves to Serbia and Kosovo.   (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
Banners with pictures of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are displayed during a nationalist protest against the visit of US Vice President Joe Biden, in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
Banners with pictures of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are displayed during a nationalist protest against the visit of US Vice President Joe Biden, in Belgrade, Serbia, Tuesday, May 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Timinator2K
May 19, 2009 12:51 PM CDT
Yesterday, Bosnia and the Balkans are a country and region at peace and in greater harmony, Today, with Blabbermouth Joe in-country, two giant vats of Nitro and Glycerin about to smash into each other to usher in World War III with a noticeable KABLOOEY!
cmenthead
May 19, 2009 12:30 PM CDT
Biden Arrives in Bosnia.......WAS VERY CONFUSED.... unfortunately he was looking for his bomb shelter in DC. obama told him to leave the country and not speak for at least 4 years
serfinWI
May 19, 2009 6:52 AM CDT
I thought Clinton fixed Bosnia

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