BiH citizens want a fresh start following the recent elections, and this means that no time should be lost in establishing governments and tackling urgent priorities, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko said during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu in Sarajevo today.

“The elections offer politicians an opportunity for a new start,” the HR/EUSR said. “Voters went to the polls to elect leaders for the next four years, and those parties that got their support have an obligation to urgently form Governments which will tackle the challenges that lie ahead. BiH cannot afford to lose more time.”

The HR/EUSR said that, along with urgent economic reforms that will help to attract investment and reduce unemployment, there is an immediate need to address the outstanding conditions for OHR transition, including resolving the state and defence property objectives. BiH will also have to urgently address conditions on the EU agenda, such as adopting legislation for a BiH wide census in 2011, and aligning its constitution with the European Convention for Human Rights.

The HR/EUSR commended Turkey for its constructive approach to resolving long-standing issues in the region and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He said that the serious challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina can be successfully met if leaders are ready to compromise.