Sarajevo, (Fena) – The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated today in Sarajevo that the European Union remains firmly committed to the stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it will not allow the creation of a security vacuum in the country.
Kallas was visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, which she began by touring the EUFOR Althea mission in Butmir, where she addressed the EUFOR staff, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.
– Sovereignty is facing threats. Challenges to territorial integrity must not go unanswered, especially in Europe. For this reason, the EU reacted quickly when threats to the integrity and constitutional order of BiH arose, and in March we reinforced the EUFOR – Althea mission with additional forces. That is also why it is important that your annual exercise “Rapid Response” was successful, as it is proof of your readiness and full operational capability to respond to security threats – she stated.
Kallas also expressed satisfaction with the United Nations Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of EUFOR for another year.
– The world recognizes that you are safeguarding the security of BiH. Thirty years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the European Union will continue to do everything in its power to prevent any security vacuum in this country. We will not allow history to repeat itself – she emphasized.
The High Representative praised the decisions of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska entity, which repealed unconstitutional laws, stating that this is an opportunity to ease political tensions and strengthen the rule of law, and emphasized the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union.
– Free presidential elections will restore trust in local authorities. People in BiH deserve the opportunity for stability and the chance to breathe freely, and this will be ensured by joining the EU. This is the best guarantee of a brighter future for this country. Opportunities for EU enlargement are rare, and such an opportunity is now here. Your political leaders must seize it or they will disappear – Kallas underscored.
She also noted that, after a year and a half of discussions, last month the Council of Ministers of BiH sent the Reform Agenda to the European Commission.
– This could secure nearly one billion euros. Every reform increases the quality of life for citizens. Tomorrow, the European Commission will present our annual report on enlargement. I expect that our recommendations for the next year will address these very topics. Important laws in the area of judicial reform will be needed, as well as the appointment of the chief negotiator – she highlighted.
Kallas also commented on the role of the Office of the High Representative in BiH and the use of Bonn powers.
– Bonn powers will disappear when there are appropriate decision-making capacities here. The reforms we are asking from BiH authorities are very concrete. The decisions are up to the local authorities. The same applies to the chief negotiator; there needs to be an Office, a single point of contact. It should be a person who has the trust of everyone in this country – Kallas concluded. (7.11.)
