High Representative Miroslav Lajčák met today in Sarajevo, separately, with BiH Presidency member Haris Silajdžić and HDZ BiH President Dragan Čović. During the meetings the High Representative discussed implementation of the five objectives and two conditions set by PIC, constitutional reform and BiH’s European perspective.
“It is clear that at this meeting, the PIC Steering Board can not decide on OHR’s closure, as the five objectives and two conditions have not yet been met. The EU Foreign Ministers have made it clear that the completion of the objectives and conditions set by PIC is key for the European integration process and that BiH should not consider applying for membership before this is done. It is a question of BiH’s credibility,” High Representative Lajčák said.
What is important is that the dialogue between the party leaders and within institutions continues on key open issues, as there is no alternative to domestic solution, which must be result of compromise in good faith. In that respect, a tactic of ultimatum is unacceptable as a means to achieve compromise. This approach has the support from the PIC and the EU. Authorities must focus on what is achievable in the short term.
Welcoming the political agreement on the constitutional amendment for Brčko, High Representative Lajčák urged the Parliament to adopt it before the March PIC meeting. He added: “Resolution of the state property now needs to be an immediate priority. It is essential that Chairman Špirić initiates creation of an inventory as soon as possible. Without a proper inventory there can be no solution to this issue. In parallel, a draft Law on State Property should be drafted and agreed”, High Representative noted.
With regards to constitutional reform, it was reaffirmed that the constitutional evolution is necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it should be addressed carefully and supported by wide range of actors, including international community.