Steering Board Ambassadors stressed the importance of police reform. It is a key requirement for EU integration. The citizens of this country deserve a fully functional and effective police force.

The Steering Board emphasised the importance of all sides staying fully engaged in the work of the Policing Directorate. The Steering Board supported the Opinion of the Policing Directorate passed last Wednesday. They regretted that a decision by consensus was not possible, but noted that a majority vote on a compromise text was taken only after all avenues of negotiation had been exhausted. RS comments were included in the final text. All concerned should allow the Directorate to do its technical work without improper interference.

Time is marching on. So are the SAA negotiations. Police reform is a key requirement of the SAA process. All concerned in BiH must be aware of the serious consequences for citizens and the economy of any actions to stall or disrupt the process of police reform.