Contact Group Meeting Chairman's Statement London, 10 July 1996 Officials from the Contact Group countries held a working meeting in London on 10 July. The High Representative Carl Bildt, the Chairman of the Provisional Election Commission Robert Frowick and the EU Presidency also attended. The Russian Federation was represented by an observer. There was a thorough exchange of views on prospects for peace implementation in Bosnia and the forthcoming elections. The meeting agreed on the importance of the elections taking place on schedule, and with the participation of all the political parties in both the Federation and the Republika Srpska. All agreed that, as Karadzic has been indicted for war crimes, his place is in The Hague. The prime responsability for getting him there rests with the parties. The Contact Group and the High Representative are continuing to press Pale and Belgrade on this. It is important to continue to marginalise Karadzic. The transfer of his state functions was a first step. But he must also be removed from power and influence. The meeting discussed proposals to bring this about.

Office of the High Representative