NATO reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), emphasizing that it will not permit a security vacuum or jeopardize the hard-earned peace within the nation, as reported by Radio Free Europe (RSE) from the alliance’s Brussels headquarters.

In response to inquiries from RFE/RL regarding comments made by officials from Republika Srpska about the impending sentencing of President Milorad Dodik, NATO highlighted the importance of BiH’s security for the region, Europe, and the alliance itself. They reiterated their commitment to partnering with BiH on reform initiatives while urging political leaders in the country to “fulfill their responsibilities.”

NATO’s headquarters further cautioned that threats of secession and internal political conflicts, along with regressive and nationalist ideologies, are undermining the hard-fought stability of BiH, describing these elements as destabilizing and perilous.

It was emphasized that all political leaders in BiH should advocate for reforms that benefit the citizenry and promote reconciliation, enduring peace, and amicable relations with neighboring countries.

“This is vital for the security of BiH and for the stability of the region,” NATO declared.

The Court of BiH is set to deliver first-instance verdicts on February 26 concerning Dodik and the acting director of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, Miloš Lukić, who are charged with failing to enforce the decisions made by the High Representative of the International Community in BiH, Kristijan Šmit. Both the BiH Prosecutor’s Office and the defense will have the opportunity to appeal the verdicts.

The BiH Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a five-year prison sentence for Dodik and a ten-year ban from political activities. They have also requested the same maximum sentence for Lukić.

In a statement made yesterday, Dodik outlined that Republika Srpska’s reaction to the anticipated verdict will unfold in two phases, the second of which entails the withdrawal from the Dayton Agreement and seeking an agreement with Serbia to establish a confederation, eventually leading to a federation and monetary union between Republika Srpska and Serbia.

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