BiH Presidency Member Denis Bećirović spoke today with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
During the conversation, it was jointly stated that everyone in the Western Balkans should work on strengthening regional cooperation, peace, stability and good neighborly relations.
At the beginning of the conversation, Bećirović emphasized that certain politicians from the BiH entity of RS should stop with Goebbelsian propaganda.
“Today, there is no discussion about the recognition of Kosovo, because it is clear to everyone that such a decision requires consensus in the BiH Presidency. Responsible people should always insist on respecting the principles of constitutionality and legality, but also on constructive discussions on the implementation of the signed agreements from the Berlin Process. We will not allow anyone to even think that they can discipline the leaders of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and determine with whom, where and when they can talk. Let them forget that forever,” Bećirović said.
They jointly noted the importance of Kosovo’s decision to unilaterally allow free movement with ID cards for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1 January 2025, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process.
Bećirović stressed the importance of implementing all obligations arising from the Berlin Process.
Agreements were signed in Berlin that entail better connectivity of the Western Balkans region, while adapting to European Union standards. Among others, the Agreement on Freedom of Movement with ID Cards in the Western Balkans was signed.
In this regard, he recalled that the Berlin agreements were signed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH and a senior SNSD official, Zoran Tegeltija. The agreement was also supported by Milorad Dodik, and therefore it is irresponsible for him to oppose well-intentioned talks within the Berlin Process.
Bećirović underlined the fact that Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo have ratified all agreements on the liberalization of movement in the region. Unfortunately, citizens of Kosovo, due to unreasonable blockades from BiH, entities of the RS still do not have the possibility of free entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a violation of the signed Berlin Process agreements, he added.
Bećirović recalled that the former Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Milorad Dodik sent an official invitation to the President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci to come to the summit of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sarajevo.
“That was a good move by Dodik and that is why he should not pursue a policy of discontinuity,” he said.
Bećirović thanked Kosovo for its solidarity and support in promoting truth and justice about the genocide against Bosniaks. On July 7, 2021, the Assembly of Kosovo voted on a Resolution condemning the genocide committed in Srebrenica in July 1995. The Resolution prohibits the denial of genocide and marks July 11 as the Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide.
He also expressed gratitude for the help and solidarity of Kosovo with Bosnia and Herzegovina after the catastrophic floods that hit our country at the beginning of October this year. The Government of Kosovo has provided financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina for recovery from catastrophic floods, Klix.ba writes.
