23 April 2010

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Sven Alkalaj, held a Speech in Tallinn at the Informal Ministries’ Meeting of the ISAF Mission Member Countries

On April 23rd, 2010, in Tallinn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Sven Alkalaj, addressed those present at the informal meeting of the Ministers of foreign affairs of the ISAF Mission member countries.

In his speech, Minister Alkalaj thanked those present for being invited as well as for having the opportunity to address the present at the meeting. He emphasized that he is aware of the fact that the International Community has a common goal to establish a safe, stabile and democratic Afghanistan, and he stressed out that thereof the exchange of opinions on the situation in Afghanistan is of great benefit both for the International Community and for people of Afghanistan.

Minister Alkalaj has said that the B&H experience clearly shows that the best results are being accomplished by employing all those actors who are willing to establish efficient institutions which would set up positive surroundings for an economic recovery. In reference to this Minister Alkalaj said that B&H supports “The Comprehensive Strategic Political-Military Plan” as well as the importance of fulfilling “The Desired Strategic Objectives” (DSO) which would enhance stability and security in Afghanistan. Providing the importance of training the Afghan forces, Minister Alkalaj informed that the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has approved the engagement of ten instructors with the ISAF Mission as well as it has given its approval for participation of an infantry security unit within Danish contingency in the Southern Regional Command in Afghanistan. He emphasized that by this act B&H has reaffirmed its desire to play an active role in assisting in restoring peace and security in Afghanistan through partnership with the NATO.

He stressed out that B&H as a non-permanent member country of the UN Security Council is firmly committed for the Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity as well as for the support it gives to all Afghan efforts which are directed towards constructing their country and accomplishing sustainable peace and constitutional democracy.

On behalf of the B&H delegation, Minister Alkalaj has expressed his thanks for the NATO decision on the B&H application for the MAP, and he emphasized that the B&H authorities as well as all the relevant B&H institutions especially in the last five months time period, have shown strong decisiveness in achieving additional progress. He pointed out that so far a significant progress has been accomplished but that B&H is aware of the fact that the NATO integrations represent a continuous process of adaptations and reforms. Minister Alkalaj has said that there are those who would perhaps say that this is a small step for the NATO but he has assured those present that it represents a huge step forward for B&H. He has expressed his belief that this decision will represent an additional encouragement for the future reforms’ processes in B&H with the goal of accomplishing the full NATO membership. At the end of his exposé Minister Alkalaj has expressed the hope for the positive outcome of the Tallinn meeting as well as for the one at the International Conference which will be held in Kabul this summer.