Bissell: NATO is ready to help BiH on its Euro-Atlantic path

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - NATO remains committed to helping BiH on its reform paths and the NATO HQ Sarajevo is ready to help BiH with the reforms it undertakes to better integrate on the Euro-Atlantic path, said Brigadier General Marti J. Bissell, Commander and Senior Military Representative of NATO HQ Sarajevo, in Ilidža today.

Ahead of a lecture at the International University of Sarajevo, Bissell said she was honored to be able to speak with students today and that this was her fourth time having the opportunity to address students.

The topic of the lecture is "Why the NATO integration process is important for Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Speaking about the difference between IPAP and MAP, Commander Bissels said that BiH already has an IPAP, a strong partnership with NATO since 2006.

"What BiH has asked for is to deepen the partnership and activate the MAP. BiH and NATO have strong partnership relations, and NATO has offered membership to BiH because that is what BiH asked for. As for consensus, there is no 100 percent consensus in any country, but it is a question of democracy in that country how it can show that it fulfills what it has asked for," Bissell stated.

According to her, what BiH is doing now is the beginning of what is necessary for full membership.

"Regarding the Annual National Programme (ANP), it is a programme that will tell us where BiH is now and what needs to be done. However, that assessment has not been made because BiH has not yet submitted the ANP. It is actually like coming to school on the first day and the teacher assesses you, but progress can be assessed based on your achievements and what you will do," Bissell concluded.