Komšić with Guterres: Relations between BiH and its neighbours to be resolved through agreement

NEW YORK, (Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić met today with H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. During the discussion on the current political situation, Chairman Komšić said that Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to good neighbourly cooperation and to resolving all open issues with neighbouring countries.

He highlighted as an example the good relations of our country with Montenegro, noting that these are the only two countries in the region that have no unresolved mutual issues.

Regarding the relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Croatia, Chairman Komšić said that our country has excellent understanding with its neighbours and is ready for dialogue that would lead to the resolution of all open issues. He expressed hope for the improvement of relations with the Republic of Serbia, bearing in mind the upcoming meeting of the BiH Presidency and President Aleksandar Vučić.

As for the Republic of Croatia, he stated that he expects the start of a positive dialogue with the neighbouring country after the elections to be held there at the end of the year. Regarding unresolved issues with the Republic of Croatia, these are the succession agreement and the maritime border, which Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready to resolve through dialogue and agreement.

Chairman Komšić referred to the statement of President Grabar-Kitarović, who, during her meeting with H.E. Guterres, commented on the BiH Election Law and the fact that it has not been amended. He said that the Election Law should be changed in many segments, but that this is exclusively an internal matter of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be decided only within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, stated that relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbours should be resolved through agreement, and that an environment for overcoming differences through positive dialogue should be created. Mr. Guterres also said that the European Union and NATO should be open to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Chairman Komšić also touched upon the Opinion of the European Commission, stating that he fully agrees with the recommendations set out in the Opinion and fully supports their implementation.

During the conversation, Chairman Komšić also said that our country remains committed to the goals of the United Nations and is ready to continue its participation and contribution to UN missions around the world.

He informed Secretary-General Guterres that Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready to take part in the UN programme "Dialogue for the Future", but that a formal decision requires the consent of all three members of the BiH Presidency.

Chairman Komšić congratulated the UN Secretary-General on the international award "Mostar Peace Connection", which was awarded to him earlier this year by the Centre for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation from Mostar.