The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák today met the incoming EUFOR Commander, Major General Stefano Castagnotto.

The High Representative/EU Special Representative informed the incoming EUFOR commander of the current political situation in the country noting the renewed high-level international interest in BiH.

“The country has signed its Stabilisation and Association agreement and has Intensified Dialogue status within the Partnership for Peace Process, but the lack of progress on reform underlines that our job here is not yet finished” said Lajčák.

Describing the 8 November agreement as an encouraging sign, Lajčák noted that the reforms agreed would strengthen the state and indicated the country’s readiness to meet the challenges of the EU integration process. “We now need to see concrete legislation in the Parliament that have the backing of the majority of MP’s”.

Welcoming the EU Foreign Ministers decision to keep EUFOR in place and the subsequent UN decision to extend EUFOR’s mandate the High Representative and EU Special Representative described the broader EU presence in the country as “evidence of the EU’s commitment to stay the course in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Major General Stefano Castagnotto will take up the post of EUFOR Commander following the change of command on 4 December. EUFOR continues in its mandate to contribute to the safe and secure environment in BiH in line with Annexes 1A and 2 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH.