The High Representative today welcomed the commitment from the Government of Republika Srpska to re-start talks on police reform with the Council of Ministers of B&H and Government of FB&H.

The High Representative said: "Police Reform remains the last significant blockage that needs to be cleared before BiH can move down the road to Europe. I welcome the intention of the RS Government to re-engage constructively in creating the framework for police reform in line with the EU's 3 principles and on the basis of the agreement already reached at Vlasic. I endorse Prime Minister Bukeljovic's suggestion that the time is now right for the institutions in BiH to map a way forward for re-opening the formal process of talks, which ended at Konak on 16 May. The police reform process will require a broad consensus and the IC encourages the authorities to undertake the necessary consultations to ensure a successful outcome. The OHR fully supports this process, and is ready to assist with expert facilitation at the request of institutions in BiH."

The High Representative also noted that if BiH is to have the opportunity to start negotiations for an SAA with the EU by the 10th anniversary of Dayton, then talks would need to be concluded with an outline political agreement ready to put to Parliaments by the middle of September.