Great Britain to seek discussion on BiH within NATO

(Patria) - A debate on the situation in BiH was held today in the House of Commons of the British Parliament, where it was stated that Great Britain fully supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of BiH, and strongly supports the actions of the High Representative Christian Schmidt.

The Assistant Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, answered MPs' questions, repeatedly emphasizing that Britain, along with its international partners, is working to prevent any conflict in BiH. He also noted that Britain will do everything to prevent the division of BiH.

In his introductory address, Cleverly reminded MPs of the current situation in BiH.

- The BiH Presidency member from Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, is threatening to withdraw RS representatives from state institutions. The High Representative Christian Schmidt called this announcement de facto secession. This announcement is unacceptable. It is a dangerous intention to divert attention from the failure to fight corruption and create a better life for all citizens, said Cleverly.

In the debate, which involved 20 MPs, the most frequent questions were what Great Britain will do to prevent the division of BiH and the creation of a new conflict "in Europe's backyard", writes Oslobođenje.

- I cannot give you a concrete answer now on what steps we will take. It will also depend on the joint decision of our partners in NATO, given that at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers, the Foreign Secretary (Liz Truss, editor's note) will put the situation in BiH on the agenda. Furthermore, a significant result was achieved at the UN Security Council meeting, as the mandate of the EUFOR mission was extended for another year, emphasized Cleverly.

- We must set a clear "red line" below which we will not go, and this should be clearly communicated to both politicians in BiH and Russia. We also need to establish our clear strategy for assisting BiH, said, among others, MP Tony Lloyd.

Cleverly said that Britain supports the work of the High Representative.

- We will continue to lobby for and support his work. The High Representative will visit Great Britain in December this year. We support his work and will support him in using his powers if the situation requires it, stressed Cleverly.

He specifically noted that redrawing borders in the Balkans will no longer happen and that this process is over.

The genocide in Srebrenica was also mentioned during the debate. MP Margaret Ferrier pointed out that even children in certain parts of BiH, specifically in Republika Srpska, are being taught in schools that the genocide in Srebrenica did not happen.

- We must never and will not allow the genocide in Srebrenica to be forgotten. Any denial of genocide, as well as the Holocaust that occurred during World War II, is unacceptable, emphasized Cleverly.