Turković summoned Russian Ambassador for talks over statements on NATO path

(Patria) - Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turković had an official meeting today at her invitation with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH, Petar Ivancov, at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Turković requested clarification from Ambassador Ivancov regarding a statement he made in the media concerning BiH's path to NATO.

Ambassador Ivancov stated that the Russian Federation supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the equality of its three constituent peoples. He reiterated the position that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a sovereign and internationally recognized state, has the right to decide for itself whom it will join, and that this decision is exclusively within the jurisdiction of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its peoples and citizens.

He emphasized the Russian Federation's position that it wants to play a stabilizing role in the Balkans, but also believes that the NATO military bloc does not contribute to peace and stability in the Balkans.

Minister Turković pointed out that political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina have made all foreign policy decisions by consensus so far, although it has not always been easy. She emphasized that the Reform Program, which was sent to NATO, was also agreed upon in the same way. She expressed her belief that the Russian Federation is a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and stated that she expects all friends to respect the decisions made by the peoples and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the future.