An urgent discussion on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was held today in the UK Parliament.
During the discussion, numerous MPs spoke, with Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister for European and North American Affairs, responding to their questions. They issued a strong condemnation of the secessionist moves by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.
They assessed that these actions seriously threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
These actions are unconstitutional and dangerous, especially for those living in Republika Srpska, whom he claims to protect. The United Kingdom is fully committed to the Dayton Peace Agreement as one of its guarantors, respecting the institutions of both entities and supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and politically independent state, said Doughty.
He recalled the court ruling against Dodik, issued on February 26, for disregarding the decisions of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The United Kingdom firmly stands behind the Office of the High Representative, whose position is unquestionable. Rejecting its independent decisions undermines the rule of law in BiH, Doughty added.
He also referred to the decisions of the Republika Srpska National Assembly, calling them unconstitutional and anti-Dayton, adding that they represent a serious escalation threatening BiH’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As he accelerates his attacks on the state, Dodik also increases the risk of undermining international peace and security. BiH has institutions and mechanisms to respond to this, and we support any action it takes to resolve this crisis, he said.
He added that he had discussed this topic with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, as well as with other colleagues from the Quint countries and the European Union.
He stated that Dodik’s actions do not serve the interests of the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “including those in Republika Srpska,” emphasizing that the citizens of BiH expect progress and reforms from their politicians, not continued secessionist threats and actions.
Following his address, a discussion was opened, with the first speaker being Priti Patel from the Conservative Party, who serves as the Shadow Foreign Secretary within the opposition bloc in the UK.
She stressed that the United Kingdom has been a true supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past few decades and added that Dodik’s decisions have led to a “worrying situation” in the country. She concluded by asking Doughty about the specific measures the UK has taken to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina during this crisis and how it plans to support BiH and its institutions in resolving it.
Written by our correspondent D.I.
