The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, congratulated the new state-level government that was inaugurated today and urged it to focus its energy on reforms linked to the signing of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement ( SAA ) with the European Union.

“I am delighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina now has a government and wish it well,” Mr Schwarz-Schilling said. “The new government has its work cut out if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to be in a position to initial and then sign an SAA this year and must focus its energy on those reforms, such as police restructuring, that are SAA preconditions.”

The seven parties that form the government have also agreed a comprehensive programme to take the country forward that places Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration at the top of the agenda, with police reform the very first item.

“Nikola Spiric’s new government and political party leaders must kick-start a political process to facilitate adoption of the police restructuring implementation plan by state and entity parliaments as soon as possible,” the High Representative and EU Special Representative said.

Mr Schwarz-Schilling also reminded political leaders that the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board in its December 2006 communique called for constructive talks that would lead to the adoption of police reforms by the March deadline.