Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The decision taken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, constitutes yet another counterproductive step that serves neither the interests of good-neighbourly relations and regional stability nor the much-needed de-escalation of political tensions.

Of particular concern is Mr. Konaković’s continued recourse to escalation and his use of profoundly difficult and painful issues from our shared past for the purposes of day-to-day political expediency and election campaigning. Matters of such gravity demand responsibility, restraint and substantive dialogue, rather than political instrumentalisation and unilateral actions that risk further deepening existing divisions.

The Republic of Serbia will not contribute to such a cycle of escalation. Serbia remains firmly committed to peace, stability and dialogue, in the interests of all its citizens and of the region as a whole.

At the same time, we will carefully assess all legal and political aspects of the announced decisions, including the questions of competence and the applicable procedures for their adoption, as well as their potential implications for diplomatic relations and for the interests of the citizens of both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbia will continue to act responsibly, with due restraint and in full accordance with international law and will not allow the pre-election rhetoric of any individual to dictate the future of relations between two neighbouring countries.