High Representative Valentin Inzko will meet with the Federal Chancellor of Austria Werner Faymann in Sarajevo tonight to discuss the current political challenges and the devastating consequences from the recent floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The High Representative will highlight the slow pace of reforms in the country, which is in stark contrast to the aspirations of its citizens, especially in respect of the Euro-Atlantic integration process. “Citizens have said clearly and on many occasions, including during the recent protests, that they want their country to be part of the European political family and politicians should provide for that. Citizens should use the opportunity of the upcoming general elections to urge political representatives to deliver on their commitments”, Inzko will say.
The High Representative will also underscore the serious humanitarian and economic challenges caused by the floods. He will thank Austria and the citizens of Austria for their prompt and generous help in the rescue and post-flood recovery efforts. “The experience of the floods brought to light the good neighbourly relations among ordinary people in BiH and the region. In contrast to the message of division put forward by some politicians, citizens and local communities showed a natural readiness to help each other and a desire to work together to build a successful country in the interests of all,” Inzko will say.
The High Representative will also thank Austria for their contribution of troops to the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also for their troops’ participation in the humanitarian mission following the flooding of large parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.