Kallas ahead of arrival in Sarajevo from Montenegro: Attack on the constitutional order of BiH cannot be tolerated

(Patria) - The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said on Monday that an attack on the unity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be tolerated.

Kallas said this at a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Podgorica, where she emphasized that politicians in BiH should not deepen divisions.

“Tomorrow I will visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we cannot tolerate attacks on the unity and constitutional order of the state. Politicians have a great responsibility to work together and to make the country progress towards the European Union. They must overcome, not deepen divisions, and this is very important for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region,” Kallas said, recalling that EUFOR has increased the number of troops in BiH.

During the press conference, she highlighted international support for security in BiH, stressing that a security vacuum must not be allowed.

„Montenegro has made progress on the European path,“ Kallas assessed, but added that much still needs to be done and that the focus should remain on reforms.

"I welcome the commitment because the accession process requires reforms. We know there are no shortcuts; reforms need to be implemented. I welcome the agreement with the opposition that allows the parliament to continue its work," Kallas said.

"We must strengthen cooperation in the area of security because we live in turbulent times," said Kallas, who expressed gratitude that Montenegro supports the UN Resolution on Ukraine and respects its territorial integrity.

With her visit to Podgorica, Kallas began an official visit to the countries of the Western Balkans. After Podgorica, Kallas will speak in Cetinje with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, about EU-Montenegro relations, the country's strategic direction, and progress in the EU accession process, and on April 8 she will be in Sarajevo.

Visit plan

The High Representative/Vice-President Kallas will begin the visit at Camp Butmir, where she will be welcomed by the Commander of the EUFOR Althea Mission, Major General Florin-Marian Barbu, with an opportunity to meet with members of the forces deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a planned address.

The High Representative/Vice-President Kallas continues the visit at the building of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she will meet with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto. After this meeting, the High Representative/Vice-President Kallas will meet with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by statements to the media at the Presidency building of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She will conclude the visit with a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković.