The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, met today in Sarajevo with Admiral Henry G. Ulrich, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples and US Naval Forces Europe to discuss the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, defence reform and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

The High Representative and EU Special Representative set out 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 – making clear that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s full Euro-Atlantic integration was the strategic goal.

“NATO has played a critical role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping end the war, building peace and overseeing defence reform and the Alliance’s continuing engagement remains important to helping this country’s Euro-Atlantic future,” the High Representative and EU Special Representative said.

He also stressed the importance he places on the collaboration of EUFOR, the ICTY, NATO and the Office of the High Representative/EU Special Representative in undermining the support networks of war-crimes suspects who remain at liberty.

As Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral Ulrich has operational responsibility for NATO missions in the Balkans.