High Representative Miroslav Lajčák met today in Sarajevo with Chair of the Council of Ministers Nikola Špirić to discuss functioning of the rule of law, reform priorities set by the PIC, most notably resolution of the State Property, and getting the EU agenda back on track.

During the meeting Miroslav Lajčák said: “Threats are not constructive. Everyone must refrain from commenting any investigations and leave the police and judicial institutions to fulfill their lawful mandate. Rule of law is one of the key values of the European Union,” he said, adding that “The Peace Implementation Council clearly stated that all authorities and officials in BiH, including the Republika Srpska, are required to fully co-operate with the institutions of BiH, including the Law enforcement agencies and to ensure unimpeded exercise of their responsibilities throughout the BiH in accordance with the law.”

“The Council of Ministers has the responsibility to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina makes progress on all reform issues. The most urgent is to start resolving the State Property. First step is to conduct the inventory of all property as a precondition to any future agreement.” Lajčák said.

“If the political leadership of this country wants to make progress on the European path, they have to take seriously all their obligations,” Lajčák warned. “The European Union Foreign Ministers on Monday discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it is good that the International Community is paying close attention, it is also a sign that the developments in the country are not very positive” concluded Lajčák.