Speaking on the occasion of the Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Presidency member Sefik Dzaferovic said the situation in the country today is not simple and is burdened by a serious political crisis. He also spoke about possible reflection of the war in Ukraine on the peace in the Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“I hope that all this will not turn into a security crisis. With the Russian aggression on Ukraine, the crisis in Europe and the world has culminated. We must keep this in mind when it comes to our country,” said Dzaferovic, speaking to reporters in the southern city of Mostar.

He also recalled of his earlier demands for the strengthening of the international military engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “even before Russia's aggression against Ukraine,” to prevent crisis.

“It is better to prevent than to put out the fire later,” he said, expressing content with the decision to strengthen the EU military deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to him, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs care for people and economic development today. He stressed that no one can undo the degree of the reforms that have been conducted so far.

“This is a matter of the institutions of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those who think otherwise think only of themselves or follow ideologues who are already defeated in this country. That is their own problem. We are determined to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said the Bosniak Presidency member.