The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, met today with the Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Nebojsa Radmanovic. During the meeting they discussed the conclusions of the PIC Steering Board, the Prud agreement and the adoption of the State Budget for 2009. PIC members are fully united in demanding that the five objectives and two conditions which the PIC established in February are met. The PIC has given its support to the Prud agreement as signed by party presidents Tihic, Dodik and Covic. “A pragmatic approach and compromise is the only way forward for Bosnia and Herzegovina,” HR/EUSR Lajčák said. “Now it is important that the agreement is turned into practical legislative arrangements.”

The main task that currently rests with the BiH Presidency concerns the 2009 State budget. The HR/EUSR expressed his concern that the State might fail again to secure a budget before the expiry of the current budget year, despite the timely agreement within the Fiscal Council. He called on the members of the Presidency and the Fiscal Council to reconcile their positions and make another effort to ensure that the State secures a budget on time and in an amount sufficient to meet its needs and commitments.