High Representative with UK officials
The HR will this afternoon meet with the UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in London. This is an extension of his trip to Washington and New York. The two will discuss BiH’s progress in PfP ahead of the NATO ministerial meeting in December, as well as BiH’s progress in SAA negotiations.
Lack of ICTY co-operation will again top the agenda. While this week’s arrest by the RS authorities of 8 suspected domestically indicted war criminals is a welcome first step, the HR will note that the RS authorities will ultimately be judged on their record with regard to the arrest of Hague indicted war criminals.
On Friday, the HR will meet with officials from the UK foreign office and on Monday he will be in Brussels, where he will meet with EU officials.
BiH exports show significant rise
You have the OHR’s monthly economic report in front of you. As you know, the report tracks key economic indicators and identifies trends in the economy.
The significant positive news in this month’s report is that BiH exports rose during September by 21.1 percent. This reflects an economic performance which may be characterized as “modest but robust”, and it may also show that BiH manufacturers are starting to reap the benefits of the Free Trade Agreements that have been negotiated between BiH and other countries in Southeast Europe. However, although exports are rising, the trade deficit remains serious, with imports in September worth 1,025,969,000 KM compared to exports of 286,869,000 KM, a difference of more than three to one.