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SARAJEVO, October 4 (FENA) - NATO integration means numerous benefits not only for the security and defense system in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also for society as a whole and all its areas, it was said today during the presentation of the document "Patience and Perseverance of BiH in NATO integration - challenges and advantages / perspectives".
The document was prepared by the Law Institute Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the "Project for Enhancement of Euro-Atlantic Reforms - PEER".
The team consisting of Sead Turčalo, Muhamed Mujakić, Dijana Gupta and Biljana Radanović analyzed the course of BiH's integration into NATO, and stated that the issue of BiH membership is a strategic priority with the necessary active participation of a wider range of participants in BiH's Euro-Atlantic integration process.
The conference, which will provide opportunities for debate on this strategic foreign policy goal of BiH, was opened by the US Ambassador to BiH Eric Nelson, who said that there are those in BiH who are for NATO integration and those who are against, but that is why such research is important, to better understand what this integration means for BiH and what benefits it will bring.
“Although there is some progress, there is a lot of work before the institutions in order to further strengthen the partnership between BiH and NATO. NATO's door remains open, but BiH must make more efforts to implement reforms,” Nelson said.
He added that NATO means collective security, which is why it is now extremely important to implement reforms according to the priorities set by BiH, and noted that BiH will have the help of partners in that.
“NATO has a strong connection with the Armed Forces of BiH, they are natural partners, they work together on global security, but political representatives in BiH can best serve the citizens if they respond to their demands. Reforms are needed to bring about economic recovery,” Nelson stressed.
Colonel Olcay Denizer, Deputy Commander of the NATO Headquarters in BiH, said in a speech at the conference that it is important to have information that is accurate when it comes to the NATO path, and this document provides an opportunity for debate, exchange of experiences and knowledge to approach common problems.
BiH Minister of Defense Sifet Podžić reiterated that the issue of NATO integration is not only up to the Ministry of Defense and the BiH Armed Forces, but the Reform Program clearly specifies whose responsibility is to meet the conditions.
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