Kallas: Any attempt to break up Bosnia and Herzegovina is unacceptable

LUXEMBOURG (Fena) – The foreign ministers of the European Union member states met in Luxembourg to discuss the situation in the Western Balkans, confirming the importance of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina and the need to overcome the political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council was chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. During the discussion, the ministers exchanged views on the European Union’s cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the security and defense dimension of cooperation, as well as increasing regional stability in a challenging political environment.

According to the EU Council’s statement, special attention was given to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, and the need for normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina was once again emphasized. Commissioner Kallas stressed that the security and stability of this area is of crucial importance for the entire Union.

– If you look at the map, the Western Balkans is geographically located in Europe. They should also be in the European Union. Therefore, the enlargement process is extremely important, and we must move forward with it – said Kallas.

She added that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently in a constitutional crisis.

– It is clear that any attempt to break up Bosnia and Herzegovina is unacceptable. Political leaders must bridge divisions, not expand them. And when I was there, I saw that everyone agrees on enlargement. So, they should make decisions in that regard, as international intervention could gradually be lifted if everyone sees that they are capable of making decisions on their own – she stated. (15.04)