The situation in Bosnia, EUFOR Commander: We're not sending troops to Brcko.

The overall security situation in the country is stable --” said Platzer in an interview with Austria's Der Standard.

He rejects the possibility of sending troops to Brcko, a country dividing Republika Srpska into two parts. Such a move was suggested by some analysts to prevent Dodik from further actions.

I am constantly asked about the transfer of troops to Brcko, and today I have not fully understood where this request came from. We are there and currently do not see the need for additional troop presence. I think there would be more escalation than de-progression if troops were sent to Brcko”, Platzer said.

He stresses that EUFOR's basic task is to support local forces in maintaining a safe and sustainable environment. In addition to 600 operatives, there are currently additional troops in the supply area. Besides, EUFOR has enough reserve forces that can be deployed at any time as needed.

Platzer stresses that the international community has voiced itself against the invasion scenario, placing the state's responsibility on authorities.

I don't see the need to change this,” he said.

The reserve forces may come from other Balkan countries, but KFOR from Kosovo can also be used. In addition, there is still a strategic reserve entirely outside. If necessary, 1,000 more soldiers may be called in, and this may increase.

“We are preparing for certain scenarios. About 700 soldiers came to the annual exercise this year as a reserve force. It was a planned exercise that showed us that the EU and the international community are capable of acting,” said Platzer.

Also taking into account is the expansion of local EUFOR surveillance stations across the country, the so-called LOT homes, “in order to see as much as possible what is happening”.

Bids to that effect come from countries already giving up the military. In principle, if the EUFOR commander sees a safe and stable environment threatened, he could actively react to his initiative, which does not need Brussels' permission.

Besides, we can perform unprecedented inspections in the entire arms sector at any time”, Platzer said.

Regarding the debate on EUFOR's enlargement to the UN Security Council, Platzer emphasises that EUFOR's mandate and tasks are “fully separated from the civil duties of High Representative”, despite Russia wants to remove all references to the High Representative from the new EUFOR resolution.

“From a military point of view, there would be no change to hide references to the High Representative from the text of EUFOR's mandate in order to extend our mission. If that were to damage the Dayton Agreement, it is another issue. I can't appreciate that,” said Platzer.

Platzer sees no problem with long rifles in Republika Srpska.

The type of equipment used by police in Republika Srpska corresponds to international standards. We also have long rifles in Austria,” he said.