The High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák in London today met the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband. The HR/EUSR informed Minister Miliband of BiH’s progress in the implementing the country’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement and objectives set by the PIC.

The HR/EUSR was in London today for a series of high-level meetings to discuss BiH’s progress and ensure the EU is ready to take a lead role in BiH after OHR’s transition.

Lajčák and Miliband concluded that the BiH authorities have made significant progress in meeting the 2 conditions and 5 objectives for OHR transition in the six months since the PIC set them. By signing the SAA one of the conditions has been met and three out of five objectives are almost fully completed. What remains to be done is to find a workable solution to the issue of BiH State property and ensure that the Brcko District is fully integrated into the BiH Constitutional structure.

Fulfilment of the second condition, a positive assessment of the situation in BiH by the PIC Steering Board based on full compliance with the Dayton Peace Agreement, will require a much more positive approach from BiH politicians. Regular meetings of the political leadership are always a positive signal, but HR/EUSR noted that the current negative political atmosphere has blocked further progress. Attacks on the constitutional structure of the State and its functioning are destructive to any progress.

During the meeting with the UK Minister for Europe, Jim Murphy it was reiterated that all the EU Member States are committed to helping BiH achieve its strategic goal of EU membership. This requires full commitment of all levels of government to work constructively and together. Europe was built on the foundations of compromise and cooperation. The HR/EUSR also met today with the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth.