Stoltenberg in Sarajevo: We're worried about the separation rhetoric and Russian influence

Secretary - General NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said in Sarajevo on Monday that the north-Atlantic alliance is concerned by the separation rhetoric and Russian influence in the region.

This was NATO chief's first visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, after which he will arrive in Kosovo this afternoon.

It threatens to undermine stability and weaken reforms. All leaders must work to move forward. For us it is extremely important and we are committed to the security and stability of this region, and your country, which is very important for the Western Balkan region, so we are deepening our political dialogue and practical co-operation”, Stoltenberg said in Sarajevo.

He added that the “allies strongly support Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Stoltenberg also spoke with the chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Boryana Christo, on Monday morning.

Christo said Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of the Membership Action Plan (MAP), which, according to her, shows there is political decision by NATO that it can become a member of the alliance.

“We must reach a political consensus and through dialogue come to positions that are very important for Bosnia and Herzegovina when it comes to co-operation with NATO”, Christo said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's high representative, Christian Schmidt, said after meeting Stoltenberg that it is necessary to build confidence in the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that this is, among many things, the responsibility of local politicians.

“We are working on this and we need the support of the EU and NATO”, Schmidt said.