Russia will support the extension of the “Altea” mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik, pointing out that the Republika Srpska will remain in the focus of attention at the highest level, in connection with the discussions at the United Nations on this issue.
Dodik wrote on his “Instagram” profile that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin during yesterday’s meeting in Moscow that Russia support the extension of this EUFOR mission in the form in which it has been present so far, to which Putin agreed, stating that the Russian side “will not create a problem if there are no hidden intentions to extend the mandate”.
He stated that he used the opportunity to repeat once again that in Bosnia and Herzegovina there is no unified position on the introduction of sanctions against Russia, pointing out that because of this they cannot be implemented.
“For us, the most important thing is that we remain neutral and that Russia respects what the Republika Srpska thinks and does in almost impossible circumstances, surrounded by constant pressure and internal subversion,” Dodik added.
United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1551, adopted unanimously on 9 July 2004, welcomed the EU’s intention to launch a military mission in BiH. The decision by the EU to launch ALTHEA followed the decision by NATO to conclude its successful SFOR-operation.
This was followed by UNSCR 1575, adopted unanimously on 22 November 2004 which authorized the Member States, acting through or in cooperation with the EU, to establish a multinational stabilization force (EUFOR) as a legal successor to SFOR, under unified command and control, which will fulfil its missions in relation to the implementation of Annex 1-A and Annex 2 of the Dayton/Paris Agreement. EUFOR has the main peace stabilization role under the military aspects of the Peace Agreement.
The Resolution also welcomed the EU’s increasing engagement in BiH. EUFOR’s mandate was extended by UNSCR 1639 (2005) on 21 November 2005.
ALTHEA is carried out with recourse to NATO assets and capabilities, on the basis agreed with NATO (“Berlin Plus”).
In 2012 the Operation reconfigured and changed its focus to Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) of the Armed Forces of BiH (AF BiH). It, nevertheless retained its obligations to support the BiH authorities in maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment. In 2018 the CB&T programme was successfully concluded as the AF BiH had achievedthe aim of being self sustainable in their military training.
