UK TO DEPLOY MILITARY EXPERTS TO COUNTER RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN BOSNIA

Thu 30 June 2022:

The UK prime minister stated on Thursday that the military experts from the UK would be dispatched to Bosnia and Herzegovina to support the NATO mission and advance stability and security there, Anadolu Agency reported.

“We cannot allow the Western Balkans to become another playground for Putin’s pernicious pursuits. By fanning the flames of secessionism and sectarianism, Russia seeks to reverse the gains of the last three decades in Bosnia and Herzegovina, gains that have brought more stability to our whole continent.

“That is why we are stepping up support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, answering the call from our friends to help protect the peace they so rightfully deserve to enjoy,” said Boris Johnson, according to a statement by the government.

The government said the decision came at the request of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo as the country is facing the greatest existential threat with secessionist leaders actively working to create further division and conflict. “These plans are backed by Moscow as part of Putin’s drive to undermine both Bosnia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and its stability,” said the statement.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is currently embroiled in a political conflict between Bosniaks and Serbs living in the country.

The dispute erupted after Valentin Inzko, then-high representative, amended the criminal code in July 2021 to ban the denial of genocide and the glorification of war criminals.

Bosnian Serb lawmakers in response said they would boycott the country’s institutions.

A Serb member of Bosnia’s joint Presidency, Milorad Dodik, denounced the amendments saying: “We will not live in a country where someone can impose a law by simply publishing it on his website.”

A UK counter-disinformation expert will help Bosnia and Herzegovinian armed forces block Russian and other efforts to sow mistrust and undermine democracy in the country and region, while a strategic defense adviser will help them develop a modern, representative armed force.

In addition, the UK will provide £750,000 ($908,291) to establish a cyber-security center of excellence within the University of Sarajevo, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, on social media, Johnson said the UK is answering Bosnia’s call for help to preserve peace.

“Russia is stirring violence and secessionism in Bosnia amp; Herzegovina to undermine and destabilize the region. We are answering the call from our friends to help protect the hard-won peace,” said Johnson.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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