The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, met today with General John McColl, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the EU’s Operation Commander for Operation ALTHEA (EUFOR).
The HR/EUSR informed General McColl of the political situation in BiH emphasizing the importance of continuing the OHR/EUSR’s excellent working relationship with EUFOR.
Outlining that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the arrest and extradition of Radovan Karadzic should herald a new political era the HR/EUSR underlined that the International Community needs to remain engaged through the period of transition from the OHR to an EU led engagement coordinated through the EU Special Representative.
“The European path is the best possible solution for achieving long-term stability in the whole region,” said Lajčák. “It is the only basis for long term development in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
General McColl stressed that EUFOR would continue to contribute to the safe and secure environment throughout BiH, in accordance with the Dayton-derived mandate. Lajčák welcomed the assurance EUFOR has provided the country since the mission deployed and underlined that as the international presence shifts, and the EU roles grows, EUFOR’s continued presence will send a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to BiH.
During his meeting with HR/EUSR, General McColl expressed EUFOR’s continued full support to the High Representative and EU Special Representative and his mission in BiH.