SARAJEVO, March 11 – NATO fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Monday during a visit to Sarajevo, warning that any actions undermining the country’s constitutional order were “unacceptable.”
“Inflammatory rhetoric is dangerous,” Rutte said, according to broadcaster N1, adding that it was up to Bosnia’s political leaders to take responsibility for the situation in the country.
During his visit, Rutte met with members of the Bosnian Presidency, including Željka Cvijanović, Željko Komšić, and Denis Bećirović. He also held discussions with Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto, Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, Defense Minister Zukan Helez, and the acting Minister of Security.
Rutte reiterated NATO’s support for the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and emphasized the need for domestic political leaders to take decisive action.
“The region will benefit from a lasting commitment to stability and peace. I emphasize the same message to all actors in the region. We are committed to our cooperation and want to see our partnership progress and grow. We are ready to build and strengthen long-term cooperation between NATO and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Rutte said, as reported by N1.
He urged Bosnian authorities to allocate more funds for their armed forces and reaffirmed NATO’s readiness to support the country.
Rutte was also scheduled to visit NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo (NHQSa) at Camp Butmir, where he planned to meet with the NHQSa commander, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and representatives of the European Union.
“Any activity that undermines the Dayton Agreement, the constitutional order, or state institutions is unacceptable. Inflammatory rhetoric and actions pose a significant threat to the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Rutte said. “Ultimately, it is up to the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take responsibility, and that means you three. There is no other show in town—you must get it done,” he told the members of the Presidency, according to N1.
Rutte confirmed that NATO would stand by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the event of any escalation.
His visit comes amid heightened political tensions following a verdict against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.
