At the conclusion of an international conference on strengthening the Rule of Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko will meet late today with BiH Minister of Justice Barisa Colak and inform him about the results of the conference.

The HR/EUSR will stress that today’s conference has been a demonstration of the International Community’s support for the BiH judiciary. He will also emphasise that the International Community will do whatever is necessary in order to facilitate the proper allocation of necessary funds and human resources to the judiciary.

The conference was designed to place a renewed focus on the rule of law, as this is one of the essential elements of a functioning democracy and a prerequisite for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress in Euro-Atlantic integration.

In light of the absolute necessity for the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfil the binding commitment they have made to support the rule of law, the HR/EUSR will urge Minister Colak to help the further development of the judiciary, a key pillar in any society that strives to be democratic and to implement best European practice in the rule of law.

“Local professionals are serious and capable people. They can do anything the internationals can. Effective rule of law is vital for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future and for its prospects of European integration,” the HR/EUSR said. “Now Bosnia and Herzegovina’s politicians need to demonstrate that they are serious about the rule of law, by providing what is necessary in order to have strong and effective judicial institutions at all levels.”