The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, met the UN SRSG, Jacques Paul Klein, and all the senior staff of the UN & IPTF this morning. During a two-hour meeting, the High Representative and the UN SRSG had detailed discussions on various rule of law issues. The High Representative congratulated the UNMiBH on the success of its mission and the work they have done to improve the lives of ordinary citizens across BiH by professionalising the domestic police forces.
The High Representative and the UN SRSG discussed the hand-over of tasks from the IPTF to the EUPM, and the High Representative noted that, because of the excellent work of the IPTF and the advance EUPM mission, he believes this transition will be both smooth and professional. He said that the EUPM will have a more strategic role thanks to the work that the IPTF has already done in raising basic standards among police officers.
The High Representative paid a personal tribute to Jacques Paul Klein, describing him as a champion of the people of this region over many years, and also one of the most successful senior officials in the history of the International Community’s engagement in BiH.