“Opinion polls indicate that an overwhelming majority of BiH citizens, including citizens of Republika Srpska, want their country to join the European Union. It is therefore the duty of all, and first and foremost of domestic leaders, to do all in their power to achieve that goal”, HR/EUSR Valentin Inzko said at the meeting with RS Prime Minister, Milorad Dodik, in Banja Luka today. In this regard, HR/EUSR Inzko referred to the coming conference which will take place in Sarajevo on 2nd June, as another signal of the EU’s commitment to the region.

Inzko expressed the view that the coming months, ahead of the elections in October, must be used to accelerate much-needed reforms. “Every step forward towards EU integration can have an effect on the everyday life of citizens, and bring better living conditions for all citizens. The focus should be on the economy and creation of new jobs”, said Inzko.

HR/EUSR Inzko also discussed state and defence property, Brcko District, the current visit of the IMF mission to BiH, the Istanbul declaration, economic issues, European Court for Human Rights ruling and other current issues.

The meeting between Inzko and Dodik was also an opportunity to review the five objectives and two conditions set by the Peace Implementation Council for the transition from OHR to an EU-led international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The HR/EUSR is in Banja Luka today to participate in a public debate dedicated to BiH’s future in the European Union.