Turković and Schmid: Stop the rhetoric of division, state institutions must continue working

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Bisera Turković met with a delegation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) led by Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid on Monday afternoon.

Minister Turković informed that the meeting discussed the current political situation in BiH, as well as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, and active issues of cooperation between the OSCE and BiH. She emphasized that BiH greatly values the role of the OSCE and that the visit of Secretary General Schmid comes at an important moment. Regarding the political situation in BiH, Minister Turković stated that there is a high level of concern over the destabilization of the situation both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the entire region, and that the blockade of progress and threats to the Dayton Peace Agreement have caused concern in the wider international community.

She expressed the expectation that the international community, including the OSCE, through the mechanisms at its disposal, will effectively stop the processes of dismantling and enable the continuation of positive reform processes in BiH.

"Spreading fear, provocations and threats to the state order, but also to peace in BiH, cannot be ignored or tolerated," the minister emphasized.

Security issues were also discussed, with particular emphasis on the importance of maintaining a subregional balance in armaments.

"We see that in the countries of the region, there is often talk of strengthening military forces and acquiring new weapons. BiH advocates the position that the security balance must not be disturbed and that its foundations derive from the Dayton Peace Agreement. The states agreed that they can conduct oversight themselves. The question arises who benefits from the arms race and why? Given the current situation, we believe it would be more than useful to also strengthen oversight and strict control," emphasized Minister Turković.

The minister stated that opinions were also exchanged on the issue of electoral legislation, emphasizing that BiH needs a modern and European election law in line with the European legal heritage, but also that the reform of the election law must under no circumstances be a justification for blocking all other reform processes.

"OSCE assistance in this process is welcome and of great importance," concluded Minister Turković.

Secretary General Helga Schmid expressed satisfaction with her first visit to BiH in her role as OSCE Secretary General. She emphasized that during the meeting with Minister Turković, mutual agreement was expressed on the importance of the OSCE and the specificity of this Organization's mandate. Reflecting on the current political situation in BiH, she stated that her message is clear: it is necessary to stop the rhetoric of division, and for state institutions to work at full capacity. She assessed it as important that BiH remains on its European path, and the OSCE is ready to support all processes and solutions that are in the interest of all citizens.

Schmid finally emphasized that other points of contact in the partnership between the OSCE and BiH were also discussed, such as the fight against corruption, education that promotes inclusiveness, arms control, etc., areas in which the OSCE operates and is ready to continue providing support to BiH. She concluded by saying that reconciliation is a matter of personal commitment, and the task of politicians is to lead the way on the path of reconciliation.