Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović received on an inaugural visit Ambassador Richard Holtzapple, who took over as Head of the Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to BiH.
The current political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the role of the OSCE in strengthening democratic processes, and support to institutions in the areas of the rule of law, human rights and improving the electoral process were discussed.
Bećirović pointed out the importance of the Helsinki Final Act, and stressed that respecting the Helsinki Principles is more important today than ever.
He particularly pointed out the importance of respecting principles such as sovereign equality, inviolability of state borders, territorial integrity of states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and fulfillment of obligations under international law.
He said that Bosnia and Herzegovina wants these principles to be respected in our region as well, and that “it is necessary for the President of the neighboring Republic of Serbia to understand the importance of consistently respecting these principles”.
Ambassador Holtzapple emphasized that the OSCE is monitoring the situation in BiH, and stressed that all political actors must respect the Constitution of BiH, the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the rule of law.
He pointed out the importance of preserving peace, stability, and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
Also, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Richard Holtzapple, thanked for the reception and emphasized that the OSCE will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to strengthening democratic values, respecting human rights, and building functional institutions.
Bećirović, while expressing his good wishes to Ambassador Holtzapple, expressed his readiness for further cooperation and joint work on strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity in BiH.
He thanked the OSCE for its cooperation to date and its significant contribution to stability and the development of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the conversation, the importance of continued cooperation was emphasized, as well as the fact that this year marks 30 years of successful partnership between BiH and the OSCE Mission, whose engagement has made an important contribution to the development of democratic institutions, strengthening peace and security, security reforms and building trust between nations, the Office of BiH Presidency Member Denis Bećirović announced.
