NATO Continues Strong Support for BiH

BELGRADE, (Patria) - NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Jens Stoltenberg, James Appathurai, spoke at the Belgrade NATO Week about cooperation in the field of security and defense from a global perspective, as well as NATO's policy towards the Western Balkans.

- Today's world and its security challenges are very different from the post-Cold War period - said Appathurai. He first addressed Russia, which was not considered a security threat in the previous period.

However, Moscow today has "steady progress in destabilizing Euro-Atlantic security," Appathurai stated, citing as examples large military exercises, troops in Georgia and Moldova, the organization of cyber attacks and assassinations, as well as problems related to arms control.

When asked about the possible lack of unity among NATO allies on this issue, given the close ties some of them have with Russia, Appathurai replied that political unity exists and that sanctions due to Russian activities in Ukraine have persisted despite changes in governments in Western countries. He also added that NATO as a whole would certainly like to have better relations with Russia.

- We do not impose East-West divisions, we have good relations with Serbia and Finland, which are militarily neutral, even with Armenia, which is an ally of Russia - emphasized Appathurai, pointing out that Russia is the one that does not respect the free elections of other countries.

Regarding relations with China, Appathurai highlighted its growing global role in every sense, including militarily, but also the fact that NATO does not see it as a security threat.

- I wouldn't say anything bad about China, but the fact is that its presence is greater - he said, advocating for more dialogue between NATO and China.

When asked how he views intensified security cooperation within the EU, Appathurai said that NATO, in principle and in practice, supports the strengthening of the EU due to the fact that most members are in both organizations. If the EU is capable of defending itself, there will be fewer obligations for the US as well.

- However, there are also two challenges in this area. The first is that European defense does not undermine Euro-Atlantic cooperation, and the second is that European countries that are not in the EU are not excluded - said Appathurai.

Additional challenges of the modern global environment include cyber attacks, hybrid warfare, which blurs the line between what is and what is not war, as well as fake news.

- Everyone is facing fake news, and great effort is being invested in identifying, analyzing, and combating this problem - stated Appathurai. He added that NATO is also fighting these threats and building resilience to them.

Appathurai disagreed with the assessment that the Western Balkans is the "backyard" of Europe and NATO. According to him, this region has always been of security importance, and political attention has increased even more in the last two to three years.

- We want to help achieve the goals of the countries in the region, whether they are related to joining NATO or not, but we also want more practical cooperation and understanding - he underlined.

Responding to questions about Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia, Appathurai stated that NATO supports the Euro-Atlantic integration of both countries.

- In the case of BiH, this process is slower, and it is waiting for national political unity to be achieved. An indicator of this process is the registration of all defense property, which is still at the sub-national level. This process is not completed, nor is it the only criterion, although NATO will continue to support BiH. As for Macedonia, this country has a unique opportunity to become part of NATO and the EU. The only condition for Macedonia is to implement the name agreement. We will respect any decision, but this would greatly improve relations with neighbors - he said.

Asked about support for the formation of a potential Kosovo Army, Appathurai said he does not like to answer hypothetical questions, and that NATO will deal with it if decisive steps are actually taken.