The European Union and the United States are indispensable partners for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they struggle to overcome challenges on the road to full post-war recovery, High Representative Valentin Inzko said today during a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“Democratic participation, government accountability, the rule of law and the fundamental civil rights of every citizen are pillars of this country’s post-war reconstruction,” the High Representative said. “The EU and the US have played a central role in upholding these values, especially when they have come under attack. I am confident that with continued international support these principles can and will take root in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
During the meeting the High Representative stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina had been making solid progress in establishing viable institutions, raising living standards, and moving towards full Euro-Atlantic integration, and he said this progress can start again when the obstruction of “politicians who are stuck in the past” is ended. “The best chance for lasting stability lies with the twin track EU/NATO approach” he said.
Pointing to the close cooperation that exists among the OHR, the European Union Delegation and the US Embassy, High Representative Valentin Inzko stressed that the international community is strongest when it is united.