President Milanović Speaks with NATO Secretary General: Croatia expects the allies’ understanding for the attempt to protect the rights of Croats in BiH and its state interest
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović spoke by phone today with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who initiated the conversation after receiving the letter President Milanović sent to all NATO Member Countries about the status of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In conjunction with the letter, President Milanović informed Secretary General Stoltenberg in detail about the serious political crisis in BiH and the difficult situation of Croats there, many of whom are also Croatian citizens. President Milanović said Croats in the Federation of BiH entity have been exposed to electoral manipulation for years and are again forced to participate in elections according to unconstitutional provisions of the BiH Election Law, despite multiple attempts to change the election law and the clearly expressed will of the political representatives of Croats in BiH.
President Milanović again told Secretary General Stoltenberg that Croats in BiH would not have the possibility to elect their legitimate representatives in BiH government bodies, which is in direct breach of the Dayton Peace Agreement. This situation discriminates against Croats in BiH as a constituent people, it is against the rule of law as well as a threat to stability in BiH, President Milanović warned.
Furthermore, President Milanović explained that the unequal status of Croats has a negative effect not only on BiH’s stability but also brings into question the national security of the Republic of Croatia, to which a stable BiH is of strategic interest. He emphasized that this is why Croatia expects more understanding from its NATO allies for the just and legitimate demands to ensure the equal status of Croats in BiH. That could have a positive effect also on regional stability, in whose ensuring NATO is actively involved, the President added.
President Milanović and Secretary General Stoltenberg discussed the NATO applications of Sweden and Finland. The President showed understanding for the context in which NATO is discussing them, but reiterated that the Republic of Croatia expects the allies’ understanding for the attempt to protect the rights of Croats in BiH and thereby its state interest.
President Milanović and Secretary General Stoltenberg also exchanged views on preparations for the next NATO summit, to be held in Madrid in late June.