Božinović: BiH’s stability and security is extremely important to Croatia

The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior stated on Friday in Mostar that the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are extremely important for the Republic of Croatia, as well as the equality of the country’s three constituent peoples.

On the eve of the Mostar Security Forum, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović reiterated that Croatia is a strong advocate of the European and Euro-Atlantic path of Bosnia and Herzegovina: “We believe that this is the best for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for all three constituent peoples, and the country as such. Of course, it is also good for Croatia.”

Božinović said that the very fact that the forum is being sponsored by NATO speaks of the importance that this part of Europe, including Mostar, has in discussions about contemporary security threats.

“I am glad that even at this moment, when the news is mostly about the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle and Near East, Mostar, and thus Bosnia and Herzegovina, is in the focus of international organizations,” Božinović said.

Vice-Rector of the University of Defense and Security Dr. Franjo Tuđman, Goran Akrap, one of the co-organizers of the conference, said that NATO has a future, but that it implies strengthening internal capacities and capabilities.

"There are many who say today that it has no future and that is a serious mistake. It is not that NATO has no future, but its future is strengthening the internal capacities and capabilities of the European Union member states that are allies within NATO and strengthening our defense and preventive capabilities in eliminating the numerous security challenges that we will face," Akrap said.

NATO Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Vladimir Vučinić assessed that the security of BiH and the Western Balkans is important for the security of Europe and the wider Euro-Atlantic area.

At the Mostar Security Forum, participants will exchange views on current security challenges, hybrid threats and the future of the transatlantic security architecture through two panels.

The security of BiH and the Western Balkans, as well as the European and Euro-Atlantic path of BiH were particularly highlighted.

Croatia is ready to assist BiH in demining through the exchange of expert knowledge, technical assistance and the possibility of engaging demining capacities, Minister Božinović said after meeting with BiH Minister of Civil Affairs Dubravka Bošnjak.

Demining is still one of the most important security, humanitarian and development challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina, three decades after the end of the war.

According to official data, 1 782 people have been injured by mines in BiH since the end of the war, of whom 625 have died. Around 774 square kilometers are still mined, and around 93 000 people in 110 municipalities still live near mine-suspected areas.

Demining is hampered by limited domestic financial resources and reduced international donor support.

Božinović stressed that Croatia understands the gravity of the problem that BiH is facing and expressed its readiness to provide expert and technical assistance.

"The Republic of Croatia is ready to share its knowledge, experience and capacities. Demining is a moral obligation towards victims and their families," he said.

"Croatia's support would include the exchange of experiences and expertise, including the possibility of engaging Croatian demining capacities," Božinović added.

He recalled that after almost three decades of work, Croatia has successfully completed demining, removing almost 107 000 mines and explosive devices and 470 000 unexploded devices.

Source: HRT