NATO integrations are the focus of the Security Conference. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is on the right path, because in this way it shows readiness for dialogue and for opening numerous questions, but the responsibility is on political leaders, participants said. NATO continues to strengthen the alliance, because no one must meet the challenge caused in modern Europe by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unprepared.
For more than 30 years, NATO has remained committed to preserving the Dayton Peace Agreement, with a great desire for BiH to make a step towards membership in the countries of our allies, emphasized Admiral Keith Blount, Deputy Commander of NATO for Europe, in his opening address dedicated to preserving peace and stability in the territory NATO protects.
“Dayton showed the will and readiness for compromise and diplomacy was given a chance, and it is the best indicator that peace can be achieved even after the darkest period that befell the country,” said Blount.
Destabilization of BiH is out of the question! We remain consistent with the idea of preserving peace; we proved that through different systems and the presence of our forces, specifically in the Althea mission. Responsibility is on domestic institutions and politicians, according to NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska.
“We invited all sides, political entities, to be constructive, to respect the rule of law, as well as the verdict against the former president of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, and also to support the reform path of the country. We will be with BiH at every step forward, we will support reforms, and we call on all institutions to respect the program agenda,” emphasized Shekerinska.
The lack of investment in Europe’s defense in the last three decades has led to a security test for everyone, and Ukraine is a kind of test zone, panelists of the Security Conference agreed, which is why a decision was made on additional investments in NATO, with the message: Only strong forces mean a strong alliance.
“NATO has a responsibility and a mission that is clear – to defend and secure peace where it is needed and to defend the attacked and respond to challenges that arise. NATO is determined in its intention to defend every centimeter of territory. We are loyal to the support we provide to our partners, but also to adapt to changes happening in the world faster than ever,” conveyed Blount.
“This region can offer certain things, such as the defense industry, which at this moment is very significant for the overall security of Europe and the production of armaments, and on the other hand the experience of the region in all other aspects shows that it can be used in terms of how Europe survives in certain crisis situations,” emphasized Hikmet Karcic, Director of the Sarajevo Security Conference.
A stable region and the territory of the Western Balkans is a strategic goal of all allied countries, as conveyed from the panel on the second day of the Conference.
