|
|
|
|
|
The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, this afternoon welcomed US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, to Sarajevo. During their second meeting in less than a month, the High Representative discussed with the U.S. Secretary of State recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The meeting was also attended by the Commander of SFOR peacekeeping troops, Lieutenant-General Michael Dodson.
The U.S. Secretary of State reiterated the full support of the High Representative's work by the US and congratulated the High Representative on his decisive action and his firm stand towards attempts to undermine the constitutional order of BiH, including the action taken on Hercegovacka Banka. He acknowledged that the High Representative had "a difficult job," but emphasized that he had the full trust of the US administration. The High Representative informed the Secretary of State on the organised riots carried out by extremist elements in Western Herzegovina last week, assuring the US Secretary of State that he would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative stated that the current situation has come about as nationalist parties -- and their separatist ideas -- are losing ground – this being the result of progress in the peace process and the firm and successful engagement by the International Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative also mentioned the regional dimension of the events in Western Herzegovina, pointing to reports suggesting that extremists were trying to stir up unrest across the region ahead of the upcoming local elections in Croatia next month. The High Representative stated that the International Community has to be determined to see its aims through to the end. Once again, the Secretary of State reassured the High Representative that the U.S. would remain engaged politically in the region and that U.S. forces would stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo as part of the U.S. commitment to their European partners. Secretary of State Powell also expressed his support for the proposal by the European Union that the High Representative review current international civil implementation structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to maximize co-ordination and efficiency.
|