The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Valentin Inzko, held talks in Sarajevo today with a US Congressional Delegation headed by Congressman Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota.

The HR/EUSR described the serious obstacles that have been placed in the way of reforms that would ease widespread economic hardship and get Bosnia and Herzegovina back onto the road to Euro-Atlantic integration.

However, he also briefed the US visitors on the intensive consultations that are now underway, among BiH political party leaders and representatives of the International Community, with a view to ending the deadlock that has made progress impossible for the last three years.

“The International Community has made it clear to all of the domestic parties that although they can hold up progress they cannot prevent it in the long run and it should not be held up in the interest of BiH citizens,” the HR/EUSR said. “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity is not going to be challenged and its destiny as a member of NATO and the European Union is not going to be jeopardized by irresponsible or obstructionist politics.”

The HR/EUSR thanked the US delegation for Washington’s continuing and decisive support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress towards NATO membership – which he said is a key objective that will help to consolidate civil and military security in this country.

Among other things, the HR/EUSR briefed Congressman Pomeroy, who is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and also a specialist in rural development policy, on initiatives designed to bring investment and jobs to rural communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.