On Wednesday, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michael Murphy, convened a meeting with representatives of Bosniak parliamentary parties and their political affiliates—including HDZ 1990 and HNP—at the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina level. According to media reports, Ambassador Murphy aimed to persuade attendees to support the adoption of legislation regarding the Southern Gas Interconnection. Notably, HDZ BiH representatives were not invited to the meeting, while HRS and HSS chose not to attend.
Croat political parties aligned with the Croat National Assembly (HNS) oppose the imposition of Bosniak-dominated decisions and the complete control of the gas pipeline by Sarajevo. The proposed legislation would grant Sarajevo, specifically BH Gas, full authority over the pipeline infrastructure, which would enter Bosnia and Herzegovina through Croatia and pass exclusively through Croat-majority areas in Herzegovina. HNS has repeatedly emphasized that they do not oppose the construction of the pipeline but insist on protecting Croat interests by establishing a Croat company similar to HZ HB Power Utility or Croat Post Mostar to manage infrastructure in these regions.
However, Ambassador Murphy has spent the past 12–18 months intensely working to make the Southern Gas Interconnection a top priority of his political agenda. Using threats of sanctions, lobbying efforts, and behind-the-scenes maneuvers, he has attempted to impose a Bosniak-dominated vision of complete Sarajevo control over the project—while entirely bypassing the interests of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sources within Croatian diplomacy, speaking under the condition of anonymity, suggest that “there are strong indications that Murphy is likely tied to circles within the Albright Stonebridge Group.” The Albright Group (now part of Dentons Global Advisors) is an American advisory and lobbying firm specializing in providing strategic guidance to corporations and governments on global issues, including international trade, politics, security, and development. It was founded in 2001 by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright following her service in President Bill Clinton’s administration.
The Albright Group’s clients include states and state-owned companies, including energy corporations worldwide. According to information provided by Croatian expatriates in the U.S., members of the Albright Group have advised BH Gas at least once since its establishment. This connection further highlights the potential influence of the Albright Group on strategic decisions concerning energy projects in Bosnia, including the Southern Gas Interconnection. The Group’s advisory role may explain some of the pressure and lobbying activities surrounding this project.
Murphy Ignoring Croat Concerns
Sources within Croatian diplomatic circles indicate that “Zagreb takes Murphy’s pressure very seriously.” Despite recent high-level discussions in Sarajevo between Zagreb’s representatives and the U.S. Embassy, Murphy reportedly ignored Croat positions and decided to proceed independently—likely with the support of individuals connected to the Albright Group in Washington, such as James O’Brien. This unilateral approach has caused significant dissatisfaction within the Croatian government.
James O’Brien, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and a co-founder of the Albright Stonebridge Group, has publicly supported Murphy’s initiatives. Earlier this year, O’Brien criticized Dragan Čović, accusing him of obstructing the pipeline project. However, this claim is demonstrably false. In reality, the dispute centers on jurisdiction over the pipeline, a fact Murphy knows well. Croat parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina fully support the pipeline’s construction but refuse to cede control over gas and the pipeline infrastructure, which enters via Croatia, to Bosniak-controlled Sarajevo and individuals connected to the Albright Group.
Tensions with Croatian-American Relations
The Southern Gas Interconnection project has broader implications beyond energy policy. It threatens to destabilize the Bosniak-Croat coalition within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and may push Croats toward alternative partnerships with Russia. A source within the Croat National Assembly (HNS) states, “By alienating Croats, the U.S. risks undermining its own strategic interests while strengthening Russia’s position in the region, which is utterly counterproductive.”
Diplomatic sources from Zagreb echo this sentiment, arguing that “Murphy’s actions, likely motivated by personal interests, are unnecessarily jeopardizing Croatian-American relations.”
The Albright Stonebridge Group’s Influence
Murphy’s ties to key figures within the Albright Stonebridge Group raise significant questions about his motivations. Group members like James O’Brien and Philip Reeker, both with extensive experience in Balkan affairs, appear to have a vested interest in the pipeline project’s outcome. Once their careers in the State Department conclude, these projects could open doors to lucrative contracts for the Albright Group and its affiliates.
The urgency surrounding the adoption of legislation—reportedly targeted for December 18, 2023—aligns with the current administration’s timeline, as Murphy and his backers anticipate a potential shift in U.S. policy under a future administration. A source within HNS suggests that “Murphy and those tied to the Albright Group aim to finalize this deal before the potential return of the Trump administration, which could complicate or undo such arrangements.”
Ambassador Murphy’s insistence on pushing the Southern Gas Interconnection under Bosniak control, sidelining Croatian interests, and his alleged ties to the Albright Stonebridge Group reveal a troubling dynamic. This approach not only risks destabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina but also jeopardizes longstanding Croatian-American relations. The question remains: Are these actions driven by American strategic interests, or are they a product of personal agendas tied to lucrative post-diplomatic opportunities? /POSKOK/
wpDiscuz
