The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, met this afternoon in Sarajevo with EUFOR’s Operational Commander and NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir John Reith.  

The High Representative and EU Special Representative updated General Reith on the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and his priorities at the start of his mandate: creating a constructive political atmosphere; police restructuring; and progress towards the signature of a Stabilisation and Association agreement with the European Union.

The High Representative and EU Special Representative underlined that EU cooperation is of outmost importance for ensuring stability as well as reinforcing the country’s integration aspirations with the European Union.

“EUFOR must stay in theatre until security in Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes fully self-sustaining,” Ambassador Lajčák said. “This is a matter of reassurance, but also necessary to back up my mandate as High Representative and EU Special Representative.”

The meeting also addressed the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to assume its responsibilities in areas such as the movement and control of weapons and military equipment.

Both EUFOR and OHR/EUSR expect the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to prepare and adopt the necessary legislation as soon as possible and to put mechanisms in place that will enable them to take over these tasks from EUFOR.