The COM EUFOR, Rear Admiral Hans Jochen Witthauer  and the High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, met today with General John McColl who has succeeded General Sir John Reith.  General McColl took over the role as NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the EU’s Operation Commander for Operation ALTHEA on 22 October 2007.

This is his first visit to BiH since his appointment and it comes at a time critical for the country’s reform and integration processes. General McColl received a thorough briefing by both COM EUFOR and the HR/EUSR on the military and political situation in BiH and also met with NATO and EUPM.  

During his meeting with HR/EUSR, General McColl expressed EUFOR’s continued full support to the HR, his mandate and his important mission in BiH. General McColl emphasized the importance of continuing the close and excellent working relations between EUFOR and OHR/EUSR and stressed that EUFOR would continue to contribute to the safe and secure environment throughout BiH, in accordance with the Dayton-derived mandate. All participants agreed that the return to the normal business of government, economic development and above all return to the full respect for the DPA is imperative priority. The joint conclusion of the meeting was that the European path is the only solution for achieving long-term stability in the whole region. It is the best way forward for BiH.

“This means we must work to produce a step-change in the domestic political dynamic – a step-change that will not only facilitate a SAA, but also constitutional reform and the consolidation of BiH as a peaceable, law-abiding and functional state” said High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák.