Statements

Member of the Presidency of BiH Dr Denis Bećirović spoke with the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce

8/14/2025

The conversation focused on the current security and political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the continued support that the UK provides to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Euro-Atlantic integration of our country. This was the fourth conversation between Dr Bećirović and Dame Karen Pierce in the last few months.

During a lengthy telephone conversation, Dr Bećirović emphasized that the attack on the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues. He stressed that, with the latest announcements in which they claim that they will not respect the judgments of the Court of BiH and the decisions of other state institutions, the authorities of BiH entity of RS are directly threatening peace and stability in the country. He warned that such actions constitute an undermining of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Constitution of BiH and the foundations of the democratic order and functioning of the state.

Dr Bećirović particularly pointed out that the possible organization of an illegal referendum in BiH entity of RS on the verdict of the Court of BiH would be an introduction to anarchy and destabilization, with unforeseeable consequences for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Those who take that path must take full responsibility for the consequences of such irresponsible policies.

Dr Bećirović also informed Dame Karen Pierce about the threatening messages from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the specific activities it had undertaken following these threatening messages. He assessed that such statements clearly demonstrate the continuation of the malignant and destructive influence of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. He also stated that these threats necessitated increased cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its strategic partners.

Dr Bećirović drew attention to the fact that Dodik's policy aims to dismantle the state of BiH  in the long term. In realizing this dark goal, he uses an entire arsenal of hybrid means of action. One of the most insidious is the dehumanization of Bosniaks, through propaganda and hate speech. Such demonization, if not stopped in time, can again end in open violence. Therefore, Dodik's hate speech and the spread of racism, as he recently did towards the British Foreign Secretary, must be understood as a serious threat.

Member of the Presidency of BiH, Dr Denis Bećirović, pointed out that the interference of the leadership of the Republic of Serbia in court processes and the implementation of the judgments of the Court of BiH is unacceptable. Serbia, among other things, by signing the Dayton Peace Agreement, committed itself to respecting the sovereignty of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a key prerequisite for developing good neighbourly relations, stability and prosperity of the entire region.

Dr Bećirović underlined that authoritarian nationalists cannot be re-educated with stories about values and funds, while at the same time working to break the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such an approach is an illusion that can cost Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region dearly. It is time for a clear and firm policy towards those who destroy peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

The UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy Karen Pierce emphasized that the UK strongly supports an independent, sovereign and unified Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this context, she emphasized the importance of protecting the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and respecting the fundamental principles of the rule of law. According to her, the verdicts of the judicial bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be consistently respected.

During the conversation, the interlocutors highlighted the importance of continuing the close partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK, based on a common commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, long-term stability and the Euro-Atlantic perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina.