ILIĆ: "DEFENDERS OF BiH" UNFAIRLY TARGETING REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

NEW YORK, MAY 12 /SRNA/ - Those who persistently present themselves as "defenders of BiH" continue with biased rhetoric and a unilateral agenda, which clearly points to the fundamental problems they consistently attribute to Republika Srpska, said Serbia's representative to the UN Radomir Ilić.

Responding to the address by BiH Presidency Chairperson Denis Bećirović during the UN Security Council debate on BiH, Ilić said those present at the session heard a one-sided political narrative.

He also criticized statements by some participants regarding Serbia, stressing that Belgrade rejects accusations that it in any way contributes to destabilizing the situation in BiH, and that Serbia does not interfere in the internal affairs of BiH and does not wish to do so.

"Our interest is stability, dialogue and full respect for the Dayton Peace Accords, of which Serbia is a signatory and therefore one of the guarantors", Ilić emphasized.

According to him, provocative statements do not contribute to an atmosphere of trust, dialogue and regional cooperation, which is essential for everyone in the Balkans.

"Serbia opposes inflammatory rhetoric and unilateral actions that are not in line with Dayton and calls on all political actors in BiH to show restraint, responsibility and full respect for the delicate constitutional balance established by Dayton", Ilić said.

He stressed that political disagreements should not be resolved through public confrontation or accusatory rhetoric, but through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect.

"Serbia is fully aware that hostile policies toward neighbors can bring short-term gains, especially during intensified political campaigns, but sustainable stability can only be built by strengthening trust, reducing tensions and reinforcing a spirit of cooperation in the region", Ilić said.

Ilić added that Serbia supports comprehensive and strong good-neighborly relations - not because it is expected by others, but because Belgrade believes it is in the shared interest of all in the region.

"Simply put, we cannot build our future without one another", Ilić concluded.

In addition to Ilić, BiH Presidency Chairperson Bećirović was also criticized by Deputy Representative of Croatia to the UN Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić for using his address at the UN Security Council to launch his election campaign.

BiH Ambassador Zlatko Lagumdžija briefly responded, defending Bećirović's statements, after which the session chair, Chinese Deputy Ambassador Sun Lei, concluded the meeting.