Rutte: You can count on NATO, but BiH must resolve this, this is your rendezvous with history

(Patria) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said after the meeting at the BiH Presidency that NATO remains firmly committed to the stability and security of this region and BiH.

"I have three key messages that I want to convey: Our commitment to BiH is firm, NATO fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH, the Dayton Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of peace in this country and must be respected, we support the High Representative, any activity that undermines the Dayton Peace Agreement, the constitutional order or state institutions is unacceptable, inflammatory rhetoric is dangerous.

My main message is that it is ultimately up to the political leaders to take responsibility, and that is you three. You must do this. This country is looking to you three. It is about personal leadership so that this country can be proud of its Presidency that will resolve this problem.

Of course, I have concerns related to the security situation, but this is not 1992 and we will not allow a security vacuum. Our support comes through EUFOR and NATO. I know that EUFOR is ready to maintain a safe and stable environment in BiH. We will not allow the hard-won peace to be jeopardized. NATO will support your EU and NATO path on which you are making progress.

It is of fundamental importance for political leaders to do their part, and the entire region will benefit from a commitment to reconciliation. I repeat the same to all actors in the region. We are committed to our cooperation and already have a strong partnership, and we are ready to further build this cooperation with the security and defense sector. And it would be great if you could spend more on the BiH Armed Forces. Your sovereignty, your territorial integrity, as emphasized in the DMS, are the foundation for both BiH's security and the region's stability. BiH can count on NATO and full assistance.

The most important message is that you three must resolve this, this is your rendezvous with history", said Rutte.