At the spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the peace agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Dayton, Ohio, a Declaration was adopted emphasizing the importance of building defense capabilities.
The Declaration emphasized the importance of stability and peace in the Western Balkans, and expressed serious concern about the latest legal solutions and initiatives in the Bosnian entity of Republika Srpska that undermine and threaten the constitutional order, sovereignty, and territorial and functional integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Dayton Peace Agreement signed 30 years ago.
Serbia filed an amendment to this article, requesting that the mention of Republika Srpska be removed. However, the amendment was rejected.
After the amendment was rejected, NATO Parliamentary Assembly Vice President Agnes Vadai expressed support for a unified Bosnia and Herzegovina.
US Congressman and Chair of the US Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Michael R. Turner and President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Marcos Perestrelo issued a joint statement, in which they addressed the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and warned of destabilizing factors.
“Complex challenges remain. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a critical juncture. We are deeply concerned by the secessionist rhetoric and actions emanating from the entity of Republika Srpska, which threaten the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of the state. We welcome the strong and unified position of the United States and European leaders in unequivocally condemning this dangerous and destabilizing behavior. Their clear determination to confront such actions and prevent the emergence of a security vacuum in the region is both necessary and commendable,” they emphasized.
They warned that a return to instability and violence is not an option.
“We call on all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive dialogue, in good faith and with full respect for the Constitution. It is essential to respect the rule of law, advance the necessary reforms and, above all, strengthen the country’s cohesion and the integrity of its institutions. These efforts are crucial for the advancement of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” said Turner and Perestrelo.
Representatives of NATO member states participated in the Spring Session of the Alliance’s Parliamentary Assembly in the American city of Dayton, Ohio, where the peace agreement for BiH was agreed and initialed 30 years ago. From 22 to 26 May, Dayton hosted more than 1,000 participants, many former and current diplomats, at a NATO event to discuss peace and security in the Balkans.
Photo: Illustration
