The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Valentin Inzko, met today in
The HR/EUSR informed the State Secretary Mantica on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that it requires a reinforced engagement of the EU and the international community as a whole, in order to encourage the BiH authorities to engage more effectively in fulfilling the obligations they have undertaken under the European Partnership and the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
“The focus must now be on fulfilling the priorities for visa liberalisation and other pressing items on the European integration agenda”, Inzko said.
Inzko and Mantica also discussed the recent session of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. Mantica stressed Italy’s full support for the Steering Board’s conclusions, adding that Italy, like other EU member countries, believes that before Bosnia and Herzegovina can be considered as a serious candidate for EU membership, BiH political leaders must prove that they are prepared to meet the conditions and objectives required for OHR/EUSR transition.
“By meeting the 5+2 objectives and conditions, Bosnia and Herzegovina will show the EU that it is prepared to take the next step towards European integration,” the HR/EUSR said.
Inzko and Mantica also spoke about the current effort to foster a dialogue among political leaders and agreed that as many political representatives as possible must be included in this dialogue, and that solutions for the remaining open issues, including the issues of state and military property, must be promptly found through compromise.
The HR/EUSR stressed that there is no alternative to dialogue and compromise if Bosnia and Herzegovina truly wishes to move forward on the European road.
Finally, Inzko expressed his gratitude for Italy’s ongoing strong commitment to stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the fact that Italy is one of largest contributors to EUFOR.
