Steering Board Ambassadors and the High Representative met today and expressed their deep regret that the BiH House of Representatives did not pass the proposed constitutional reform package on Wednesday evening.

The Steering Board paid tribute to the majority of delegates who voted in favour of reform and progress for BiH on Wednesday. They also acknowledged the hard work over many months by BiH party leaders and politicians that had led to a broad consensus on a package of constitutional amendments to strengthen the state and streamline its structures.

The majority of BiH's politicians showed great courage to reach a consensus to reform the Dayton Constitution in order to build a functioning state that would be better equipped for BiH's current and future requirements.
  
Such improvements are vital for the efficient functioning of the institutions of BiH in order to serve its citizens better and fulfil the requirements of Euro-Atlantic integration.
  
It is the responsibility of the BiH parties to reflect carefully on the outcome of Wednesday's vote and to consider the full consequences. They must accept their responsibility for the negative impact of missing this opportunity to move forward, which affects the future of the citizens of this country. The need to modify the BiH Constitution and reform the government's structures remains unavoidable and essential for a sustainable and stable BiH in the future.