The High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko met with US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg in Washington today. HR/EUSR Inzko informed Deputy Secretary of State of the current situation in BiH; a situation that does create concern.

Inzko has consistently reiterated his support for the EU/US led initiative that has brought the main political players in BiH back to the table. “The EU-US joint effort has filled the vacuum of dialogue that existed on critical political issues in the country,” Inzko said. “Constitutional amendments remain essential to ensure a functional state and state institutions, and to facilitate BiH’s EU & NATO aspirations.” Inzko expressed his firm belief that the positive efforts of those political parties constructively engaged in the EU/US led process are to be supported.

Regretting the fact that in recent months the authorities in BiH have made only limited progress towards completion of the five objectives and two conditions necessary for the closure of the OHR and the transition of the international community’s engagement in BiH to an EU led mission, Inzko noted that the inventory of the State property being compiled under the auspices of the OHR is nearing completion, and that negotiations between political leaders on apportionment should now continue on this basis.