Waitz: 6,000 soldiers can arrive in BiH within 24 hours, but the EU advocates for political dialogue

(Patria) - Green/EFA group MEP Thomas Waitz, who is visiting BiH together with the Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, Romeo Franz, stated that he has guarantees from NATO generals that troops, up to 6,000 soldiers, can be in Bosnia and Herzegovina within 24 hours to seven days, should it be necessary.

In an exclusive interview with N1, when asked if he meant that the international community is on standby, Waitz answered: "Yes!".

"I am aware of how many young people have left the country because there is a fear of a new war. Fortunately, Republika Srpska does not have access to the kind of weapons it had during the Balkan wars. This is intelligence information we have not only from the EU but also from NATO. Artillery is no longer available to Republika Srpska. Also, there is the presence of international forces. I know they have been reduced, but we have guarantees from generals that they can bring in troops of up to 6,000 soldiers within 24 hours from the moment of initial arrival, 6,000 within seven days. We are committed and will use all potentials at any sign of escalation to preserve peace in this country, to prevent harm to citizens from nationalist rhetoric and activities that could lead to attempts at secession by Republika Srpska. We are aware of what Milorad Dodik, as the leader of a nationalist party in Republika Srpska, is trying to do. The EU continues to be based on the principle of dialogue. We are trying until the last moment to resolve things through political dialogue. We must be aware that all attempts to undermine the statehood of BiH will lead to concrete action," Waitz stated.