The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, this morning in Sarajevo met with the Austrian President, Thomas Klestil. The High Representative informed the Austrian President about recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially with regard to the reform of the Entity Constitutions and the reform of the judicial system. He stressed the importance of the constitutional reform process in order to turn BiH into a country in which the rights and vital national interests of the constituent peoples and citizens are fully protected and where they are fully represented in the legislative, executive and judicial institutions. New administrative and political structures will ensure that the interest of all constituent peoples will be fully protected throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The High Representative informed President Klestil about the recent developments in refugee return, especially regarding nearly 100,000 minority returns last year. He also talked about the vital importance of bringing foreign investment to BiH. The ground has been prepared for foreign investors to recognise this region as one of serious business potential. The High Representative thanked President Klestil, who is travelling as the head of a large delegation of Austrian business representatives, for his efforts in strengthening economic ties with BiH. President Klestil expressed his full support for the work of the High Representative. He stressed the importance of bringing BiH closer to the European Union, expressing his gratitude for the High Representative's efforts in this regard.

President Klestil is visiting BiH for the second time. In 1996 he delivered a donation for the reconstruction of the National Library. Wolfgang Petritsch accompanied him, at the time acting for the city of Vienna.