Peach meets Cikotić, directors of SIPA, DKPT, and OSA attend meeting

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Minister of Security of BiH Selmo Cikotić met today in Sarajevo with the Special Envoy of Great Britain for the Western Balkans, Stuart Peach. The meeting was also attended by the directors of DKPT Mirsad Vilić, SIPA Darko Ćulum, and OSA Osman Mehmedagić.

Security challenges, cooperation in the field of security, and regional threats including organized crime and corruption were discussed.

Speaking about the security situation, the negative impact of political obstructions and narratives was pointed out, and that in this environment, security agencies are making additional efforts to preserve the security of all citizens and actively fight against organized crime.

During the meeting, strong support was given to preserving security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Also, a continuation of support in strengthening capacities and further progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in reform and integration processes was announced.

Peach held a meeting today with the members of the Collegia of both houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PSBiH).

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the PSBiH Denis Zvizdić, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the PSBiH Borjana Krišto, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the PSBiH Nikola Špirić, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the PSBiH Bakir Izetbegović, and, on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Peoples of the PSBiH Dragana Čović, the delegate in the House of Peoples of the PSBiH Marina Pendeš informed the high-ranking British official about their view of the current political crisis in BiH which, as they jointly concluded, paralyzes the functioning of key state institutions and negatively affects reform processes and the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Members of the leadership of both houses of the PSBiH thanked Mr. Peach for the enormous support and assistance that Great Britain, as a friendly country, has been providing to Bosnia and Herzegovina for years, and appealed to the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Great Britain to help preserve peace and stability in BiH and to open dialogue on most contentious issues.

Emphasizing that he came as a friend who wishes well to Bosnia and Herzegovina and all countries in the region, the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Great Britain for the Western Balkans, Stuart Peach, announced that his country, together with the United States of America and the European Union, will increase its presence and work on establishing dialogue and further supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions.

Peach warned that Great Britain will not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to return to conflicts and will fully continue to work with BiH institutions on stabilizing political and economic conditions, as well as on stopping the departure of a large number of citizens, especially young people, from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ambassador of Great Britain to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matthew Field, also participated in the conversation.