High Representative Valentin Inzko and Principle Deputy High Representative Roderick Moore met today in Sarajevo with the newly appointed BiH Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija.
The High Representative and the PDHR congratulated Minister Lagumdzija on his appointment and agreed with him that integration with the European Union and NATO must be among the key priorities of the new Council of Ministers.
The High Representative stressed that ministers must focus on achieving concrete results during the remaining Council of Ministers mandate. Among the most pressing challenges will be the adoption of a budget for 2012 in compliance with the Constitution that will ensure the full functioning of the BiH institutions and the fulfilment of the BiH’s international obligations.
The High Representative said the formation of the Council of Ministers has created grounds for optimism after a very long period of frustration and inactivity.
“The formation of the Council of Ministers heralds a long awaited return to a positive political trend in this country,” he said. “Inaction now must be replaced by action – and in addition to the Euro-Atlantic integration agenda, revitalising the economy, ending the decline in investment and boosting employment must now be priorities for the BiH authorities.”