Russian ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Kalabukhov said that the Dayton Peace Agreement remains the key framework for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that the Russian Federation, as one of the guarantors of the agreement, insists on its consistent implementation without the imposition of external solutions.
Speaking at a forum on geopolitical developments in Europe held in Banja Luka, Kalabukhov stressed the need to preserve the original Dayton Agreement without distortion or arbitrary interpretation, and said solutions to political challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina must come through agreement among domestic actors.
“Internal dialogue, mutual respect and readiness for compromise are needed, not solutions imposed from outside that further destabilize the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Kalabukhov said.
He noted that the Dayton Agreement is not perfect, but argued that the essence of the problem lies not in the document itself, but in the willingness of political actors to reach agreements within already established principles.
“The issue is not the agreement itself, but how politicians can reach compromise solutions through mutual respect and patient resolution of open questions,” he said.
Kalabukhov added that the international community, in line with Dayton, should support stabilization and interethnic reconciliation, but should not impose political solutions.
He criticized the actions of High Representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying that under that framework foreign and unconstructive ideas are often promoted which do not contribute to achieving key goals, but instead further destabilize the country.
He added that it is necessary to return to the principles of dialogue and equality, and that solutions must be sought within the country while respecting the interests of all constituent peoples and entities.
Kalabukhov thanked the leadership of Republika Srpska for cooperation and support, including the opening of the Office of the Russian Embassy in Banja Luka, which he described as an important step in strengthening relations.
He said Russia would continue to support dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina and advocate solutions consistent with international law, agreement among domestic actors, and respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement as the foundation of stability.
Source: RTRS
