Russia is trying to destabilize the situation in the Balkans – Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia is trying to weaken and destabilize the situation in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula through subversive actions aimed at inciting separatist sentiment. This was reported by the press service of the North Atlantic Alliance on Monday, November 20.

It was noted that the Secretary General of the Alliance began his four-day visit to the Western Balkans (November 19-22) with a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Your security is important for the Western Balkans region and for Europe,” he said at a joint press conference with the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Boryana Kristo.

Stoltenberg also noted that the allies “strongly support” the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country.

The NATO Secretary General also “expressed concern about separatist and divisive rhetoric, as well as harmful foreign interference, including from Russia, which threatens to undermine stability and complicate reform.”

Stoltenberg called on “all political leaders to maintain unity, build national institutions and seek reconciliation.”

He also spoke about deepening NATO’s political and practical cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including through the Alliance’s headquarters in Sarajevo.

Earlier, the head of the Foreign Ministry of North Macedonia spoke about Russia’s interest in the conflict in the Balkans.

The Russian Ambassador “warned” Bosnia and Herzegovina about NATO membership