The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, yesterday called for reforms in the field of defence structures in BiH, media reporting on yesterdays meeting between the High Representative and the BiH Presidency have misrepresented the High Representatives statement.
The High Representative focused yesterday on the need for reforms highlighting that there will be no possibility to join Partnership for Peace (PfP) without reformsin the field of defence. This is one of the High Representative’s priorities, and he stands ready to work closely with the BiH Presidency on this.
If BiH is to be ready for further integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures in the field of security and defence, in particular PfP, a key prerequisite is the State of BiH’s ability to act independently in defence matters as part of the International Community. This requires adequate structures and procedures that the BiH Presidency is currently working on. The High Representative calls on all BiH authorities to fully support these efforts.