General Scaparrotti with BiH journalists: BiH will decide whether to hold a referendum on joining NATO

General Curtis Scaparrotti, Commander of Allied Command and European Command NATO, told BiH journalists that after talks with BiH Presidency member Mladen Ivanić and Minister of Defence of BiH Marina Pendeš, he concluded that our country has made progress in key requirements - the BiH Defence Review and the registration of military property, writes Patria.

-It is very important that all this is brought to an end. They told me in the Presidency that the deadline for adopting the Defence Review is November 30. The Armed Forces of BiH are actively supporting the NATO mission in Afghanistan, and this is highly recognized.

I came here because certain things concerning the Balkans worry me. The international community still needs to focus here to help BiH and the countries of Southeast Europe. It is important to ensure stability, to continue BiH's progress regarding defence reform and aspirations for the activation of the MAP. This is a very important part of Europe, and I wanted to see for myself what is happening here, said General Scaparrotti.

When asked what specific things worry him in the Balkans, the general said that there are many issues throughout Europe.

-These are challenging times in Europe regarding the environment. Some of these issues concern refugees, extremists, and Russia's influence in certain parts of Europe. I wanted to make sure whether our assistance is yielding results when it comes to BiH's progress, said the American general.

Regarding the activation of the MAP, and when that might happen, he said that it is a matter for politics.

General Scaparrotti considers it encouraging that BiH recognizes the complexity of the problem of terrorism and extremism in order to be able to confront it.

-Citizens and the stability of the country need to be protected. This is a global issue, it affects everyone, but from that perspective, I am encouraged by the answers I heard today, emphasized our interlocutor.

He spoke about Russia's influence on Balkan countries in the context of strengthening cooperation.

-We must be prepared to work with Russia, especially here, because it is part of the Dayton framework. I hope that Russia will be part of stability and progress in the Balkans, said General Scaparrotti.

Regarding the potential holding of a referendum in BiH on the issue of joining NATO, General Scaparrotti said that it is a decision of the state, i.e., the politicians.

-Some countries turn to their citizens, and it is up to the state itself whether to do so, said General Scaparrotti.