Conflicts: Pistorius: “intensify operations in Bosnia if necessary”

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Conflicts
Pistorius: “Intensify operations if necessary” in Bosnia

Boris Pistorius at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo. photo

© Soeren Stache/dpa

When the German Defense Minister visits Bosnia, it becomes clear that the situation is fragile. Pistorius reiterates that, depending on developments, more needs to be done.

Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius has spoken out in favor of ramping up military security for peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina if necessary. During a visit to the EU mission Eufor Althea in Sarajevo, the SPD politician reiterated the allies’ determination to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

“In Serbia and in the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia repeatedly finds breeding ground for its attempts to destabilize the region and expand its own influence, for example through disinformation campaigns and influencing the media,” warned Pistorius. “The resulting tensions in the Western Balkans require us to continue and, if necessary, intensify our stabilization measures in consultation with our local partners.” He speaks from the perspective of NATO and the EU.

The Bundeswehr has stationed around 30 men and women in Bosnia – with the aim of contributing to stabilization. Eufor Althea’s central task is to support the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the Bosnian war in 1995. However, the country remains a possible source of conflict. The soldiers contribute to an information picture through patrols, contact with the population and institutions and their own situation reports. Pistorius had visited the Kosovo capital Pristina the day before.

Ministry of Defense on Bosnia mission

dpa

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