Bosnian Presidency Chairman Denis Becirovic said today that he would like his country to receive an invitation to join NATO. He made this statement at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, BTA reports.
Becirovic noted that for his country joining NATO is a strategic goal and an obligation according to national legislation. We should use this opportunity in the interest of society, he said.
In order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become part of NATO, there are two conditions, explained Stoltenberg. He pointed to the need for reforms to be implemented, for the army to be multi-ethnic and for society to support joining the alliance. This will not happen tomorrow, the general secretary specified, when asked if he expected the country to be accepted into the pact.
We strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the EU-led Operation Althea. We congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina on its recent progress towards the EU. We are deeply troubled by the incessant politics of division and division. This is dangerous and irresponsible, and undermines reforms, Stoltenberg added.
All political leaders must work together to preserve unity and national institutions. This is key for the protection of peace and security in the country, and for the stability of the Western Balkans, the Secretary General summarized.