The Hungarian government has criticized the United States for exacerbating tensions by imposing sanctions on four officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Hungarian foreign ministry expressed concern on Wednesday that these new measures targeting elected officials were contributing to instability in the Balkans. Peter Sztaray, the state secretary for security policy, highlighted that sanctions have historically failed in the region and only serve to escalate tensions and deepen conflicts.
Sztaray emphasized the importance of engaging in consultations based on mutual respect with the western Balkans instead of imposing sanctions. He stated that Hungary stands by the democratically elected leaders in the region and called for the establishment of a real dialogue as soon as possible. Sztaray reiterated that stability in the region is one of Hungary’s primary national security interests and that the country will continue to promote peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The recent US sanctions targeted several individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its subdivision, the Republika Srpska (RS). The four officials subjected to the sanctions are President of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandic, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic, member of the Bosnian presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic, and RS Minister of Justice Milos Bukejlovic. These measures were imposed in response to a new law passed by the parliament of Republika Srpska, which declares the decisions of the Bosnian constitutional court invalid on its territory.
The history of Bosnia and Herzegovina is marked by the 1992 breakaway from the former Yugoslavia, which led to a three-year civil war in the republic. The conflict was eventually resolved through a peace agreement between the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. As part of this agreement, the self-governing entities of the Republika Srpska and the Brcko administrative district were created within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Hungarian government’s criticism of the US sanctions stems from its belief that such actions only serve to further destabilize the region. Hungary views these sanctions as counterproductive to the goals of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Instead, Hungary advocates for open dialogue and constructive engagement to address the challenges facing the Western Balkans.
In conclusion, the Hungarian government has accused the US of increasing tensions in the Balkans by imposing sanctions on elected officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hungary believes that dialogue and mutual respect are the keys to resolving conflicts in the region and calls for the establishment of a real dialogue as soon as possible. The promotion of stability in the Western Balkans remains a top priority for Hungary, and it will continue to advocate for peaceful resolutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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