NATO countries urged to help overcome political stalemate in Bosnia

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A Special NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) Report on the Challenges for Peace and Security in the Western Balkans, prepared by French MP Jean-Charles Larsonneur, called on members to help intensify Belgrade-Pristina talks and overcome the political stalemate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Members of the Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina to NATO PA, Asim Sarajlic and Nikola Lovrinovic, participated in the work of the final plenary session, which was held online this year due to the coronary virus pandemic.

According to the report, NATO member states and parliamentarians must strengthen cooperation with the Alliance's strategic partners around the world to help strengthen the rule of law in the Western Balkans.

The 66th annual session marked the election of US Congressman Gerry Connolly to the post of President of the NATO PA. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, and outgoing NATO PA President, Hungarian MP Atilla Mesterhazy, addressed the participants in the plenary session.

Stoltenberg said that NATO is the only place where the countries of Europe and North America meet every day and that NATO should be used even more as a forum for honest discussions on a wide range of security issues.

In the adopted Declaration, NATO PA also expressed support for a comprehensive modernization of the Alliance, making it strong and politically united, militarily strong and better equipped to strengthen global peace and stability.

The Declaration calls for the Alliance to update its strategic concept in order for it to be maintained in the changed security environment. NATO's strength now and in the future lies in its commitment to common values ​​and transatlantic ties, the Declaration said, adding that the Alliance must adapt to fulfil its core task of collective defence, while defending itself against new threats and impending challenges.

The Declaration also calls on NATO to strengthen political unity through more regular contacts and meetings on NATO governments to reaffirm their commitment to transatlantic unity and shared democratic values.