Campaign reply - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

I share your concern for the situation in BiH, and know that my ministerial colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) do too. The High Representative warned last year that BiH is facing the greatest existential threat in its post-war period, and that there is a real prospect of further division and conflict.

The UK takes very seriously talk of secession and other threats to undo the progress of the last 26 years since the Dayton Agreement. As a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the Peace Implementation Council, the UK remains committed to supporting the security, stability, democracy, prosperity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH; and stands by the High Representative absolutely. 

In light of heightened political tensions, I welcome that the UNSC last year adopted a resolution (2604) renewing the mandate for EUFOR, the EU military mission in BiH, for another 12 months. The UK lobbied in favour of this decision.

The Foreign Secretary has discussed the situation in BiH at the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Riga, OCSE Ministerial meeting in Stockholm and G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Liverpool. She has hosted High Representative Schmitt in London and the Foreign Ministers of six Western Balkans countries, BiH among them. I am assured that she and her department will continue to engage with leaders in the region to support peace and stability. 

I am encouraged that Sir Stuart Peach, former Chief of the UK Defence Staff, was appointed as the new Special Envoy to the Western Balkans in December. As Envoy, Sir Stuart has already begun working with regional leaders and others to support and strengthen regional stability.

On 11 April, the Foreign Secretary designated Bosnian-Serb politicians Milorad Dodik and Zeljka Cvijanovi for their attempts to undermine the legitimacy and functionality of BiH. These are the first designations under the UK's BiH sanctions regime – in place to promote respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH and the implementation of the Dayton Agreement – and they have my full support. I do not speculate on potential future sanctions designations as to do so could undermine their effectiveness. I am assured that all evidence is kept under close review.

The UK stands with the people of BiH in their hopes for a peaceful and bright future, and I am assured that HM Government will continue to act in their interest. Please be assured that I am following developments closely. 

Thank you once again for getting in touch, and if I can be of further assistance with any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.