New York, 12 May 2022 (TDI): The rising inflammatory actions between Bosnia and Herzegovina can expose Europe to another war, warned High Representative Christian Schmidt.
He highlighted Europe is at risk of another conflict due to inflammatory incidents between Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering reminder that even in the 21st century, another war on European soil is not an impossibility,” he added.
Dayton’s Accord
While referring to the signing of the Dayton Accords, also known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace, he outlined the increasing number of rhetorical actions that could undermine the agreement’s constitutional framework.
They include attempts to render national laws inapplicable, leading to Bosnia’s withdrawal from its unified forces. He highlighted that these incidents threaten Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia.
Schmidt emphasized the threats to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and stressed the international community to defend Dayton Accord.
He praised international support for the unity of both countries through targeted sanctions by many governments. “We will not sit still while others seek to dismantle 26 years of peace, stability, and progress,” he added.
The country’s potential membership in the EU could resolve grievances and foster peace and stability. The initiative would improve the general well-being of every citizen and help stem the increasing flow of young people out of the country by ensuring a better future.
Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sefik Dzaferovic, represented his country at the Council and highlighted the political crisis in the country.
He listed secessionist threats due to the blockage of institutions and other actions by Republika Srpska during the last ten months and called for international support to tackle the political rift in the country.
He also called on the EU to respond positively to the nation’s request for membership. While referring to the geopolitical situation in Ukraine, the Chairman said that “we feel the strong consequences of the aggression on Ukraine.”
The debate can be streamed here.
