Smajić in Pristina: Main topic is preserving security, given challenges and threats

(Patria) - Delegate in the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PA BiH) and Deputy Chair of the PA BiH Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the South-East European Cooperation Process (PASEEECP) Džemal Smajić (SBiH) participated in the sessions of the general committees of the PASEEECP on April 20 and 21, 2024 in Pristina. The main topic was preserving the security situation, given challenges and threats.

The report indicated that the Russian military invasion of Ukraine brought major security and political challenges, affecting, among others, the SEECP member states. Most members agreed with Western countries in sanctioning Russia due to its military aggression against Ukraine, and it was also determined that there are still members that autonomously conduct their own foreign policy, thus attempting to balance relations between the West and Russia.

It was also highlighted that regional stability has been preserved, although in 2023 both Pristina and Sarajevo were exposed to destabilization coming from Belgrade. Riots were incited, even an armed rebellion in municipalities in northern Kosovo, while the entity of Republika Srpska constantly threatens secession from Sarajevo. It was thus detected that internal and external security challenges still exist and must be handled with caution.

It was confirmed that Belgrade's intention for further militarization of its armed forces and increasing the operational capabilities of special forces through its “Project 5000” poses a direct threat to Pristina and Sarajevo, as well as a major challenge for Western countries' investments in regional stability in the Western Balkans region.

It was concluded that regional security challenges should be effectively prevented in order to ensure a stable and secure future for the region. Speakers also emphasized the importance of cooperation, both regional and at the EU level, as a response to the challenges we face.