Konakovic at CoE session: No concessions to aggressors under the guise of de-escalation

The session was held amid heightened international tensions and complex security challenges caused by the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and growing geopolitical tensions affecting regional and international security.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers of the member states exchanged views on the aggression against Ukraine and its consequences, the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the activities of the Council of Europe in the field of migration, the New Democratic Pact for Europe, as well as the external action strategy of the Council of Europe.

In his address, Minister Konakovic stressed that the Council of Europe represents one of the key European institutions founded on the principles of peace, democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

He emphasized the importance of preserving standards of equality, protecting human dignity and respecting international law. He welcomed the reform processes within the Council of Europe, including the activities of Secretary General Berset and the presentation of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, assessing them as a significant step towards strengthening democratic institutions and the resilience of European societies.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the external action strategy of the Council of Europe through enhanced partnerships and international cooperation, as well as the significance of the Joint Declaration adopted during the session.

From the perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Konakovic underlined the importance of close cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union, particularly emphasizing the significance of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which provides expert and advisory support to the country’s reform processes and European path.

In the continuation of his address, Konakovic specifically referred to the internal political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that the country is going through a new crisis and that talks are underway regarding the appointment of a new High Representative.

He warned against proposals suggesting that the new High Representative should maintain close communication with the Russian Federation. He stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to dialogue, compromise and agreement, but that ideas presented as “appeasing Russia” through the appointment of a new High Representative do not represent a compromise, but rather, as he stated, an unacceptable concession that would have negative consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, which Russia brutally attacked, as well as Moldova and other countries facing malicious Russian influence.

"I call on all of you to unite and demonstrate that there are no rewards for aggressors, nor agreements with them on their own terms. We may be a small country, but we are proud. We are ready for compromises, but never for those that are harmful to our country. Under no circumstances and under no pressure. If the goal of our friends is de-escalation and stabilization, I must warn that such a choice would lead us into instability and a new, much greater escalation," Konakovic said.