The operational commander of the EU for operation Althea (EUFOR) and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe General Sir Richard Shirreff praised yesterday the progress that has been made under the BIH Armed Forces, and that the Armed Forces are a good example of how to progress towards Euro Atlantic Integration.
At the press conference in Pazarić (OSBiH Barrack Zaim Imamović”), was held on occasion of the EUFOR exercise “Quick Response 2013”, he recalled that there is still more to be done before BiH becomes a full member of Euro Atlantic structures, expressing concern about the continuing political stalemate in resolving security issues.
“I invite all stakeholders in BiH to work together in order to develop a reference document “Overview of Defense” and to solve issues of military property and surplus ammunition, and to ensure the necessary resources of the OSBIH’’, said General Shirreff.
He underlined that the first duty of all governments is to offer security to its citizens necessary for development, investment and social stability.
“In a regional sense, we can vividly tell that the train leaves the station, and that BiH is faced with a stark choice-politically mature and embark on the train, or risk to be left behind other countries in the Western Balkans’’, said General Shirreff in the review of the regional constellation and situation in BIH.
He added that the Agreement between Serbia and Kosovo has to create a new political future and open doors to discussions for EU accession, and recalled that Croatia, after it passed all necessary reforms, will become an EU member this summer.
In this context, General Shirreff asks, the same is expected of BiH and at the same time notes that BIH must not fall behind.
“Politicians have to face the challenges of Euro Atlantic integration, leave their difference in the past, where they belong, and follow a positive example of their neighbors’’ said General Shirreff.
(Source: Fena)
