Sarajevo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday reaffirmed the alliance's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and territorial integrity during a meeting in Sarajevo. "Our commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina is steadfast. NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Rutte in a joint press conference with representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte emphasized that NATO stands behind the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina's unity. "Any actions that undermine Dayton, the constitutional order or national institutions are unacceptable," he said. "The international community is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the country," he added. His remarks came amid growing regional tensions.
Rutte addressed concerns about the security situation, reassuring that it is not comparable to 1992 and that a security vacuum will not be allowed to emerge. He reiterated NATO and its international partners' commitment to preventing a return to past conflicts, underscoring the importance of maintaining the hard-won peace achieved by the Dayton Peace Agreement. Rutte highlighted the presence of EUFOR troops as a stabilizing force and affirmed NATO's readiness to uphold a safe and secure environment. "We already have a solid partnership, and we are prepared to build on NATO's longstanding support to your country's armed forces," he said.
Rutte also urged Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders to take responsibility for maintaining stability. Addressing the three representatives of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, Zeljka Cvijanovic, Denis Becirovic, and Zeljko Komsic, he emphasized leadership's role in addressing ongoing challenges. "This country is looking at the three of you. This is about personal leadership. Make this country proud of its presidency and solve this problem," Rutte said. "It will be up to the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take their responsibility here," he added.
Becirovic welcomed NATO's support, describing it as a vital stabilizing force against misinformation and external threats. He called for adherence to the constitutional order and the competencies of state and lower levels of government. Cvijanovic expressed reservations but reaffirmed Republika Srpska's commitment to continued cooperation with NATO, emphasizing the importance of building a stronger understanding with NATO forces and other international partners with good intentions towards the country.