The European Union Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has responded strongly to the authorities’ statements from the smaller Bosnian entity regarding “peaceful disassociation.”
They emphasized that the Srebrenica genocide is an irrefutable historical fact, established through court proceedings by the International Criminal Court for the former Yugoslavia in 2004 and the International Court of Justice in 2007.
“Reconciliation can only be achieved through truth, peace, and justice, along with empathy and respect for all civilian victims. The European Union itself was founded on these principles after World War II. We urge the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to concentrate their efforts on fostering an environment conducive to reconciliation and implementing necessary reforms to progress along the European path. Citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina aspire to a brighter future and desire their leaders to find constructive ways to address the past’s legacy.”
The Delegation stated that there is no legal, factual, or rational basis for advocating the “peaceful disintegration” of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such calls lead nowhere and create unnecessary fear among citizens. The European Union, including through EUFOR, is unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international subjectivity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as ensuring a safe and secure environment, emphasized the Delegation, led by Ambassador Johann Sattler.
Furthermore, the Delegation noted that the European Council’s approval for opening accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina was a result of reforms contributed by all coalition actors at the state level.
“These reforms represent a collective achievement of the coalition parties and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is crucial that domestic leaders adhere to the only viable path: pursuing further reforms and progress along the European path, which is the surest guarantee of future stability and prosperity for Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the statement concluded.
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