STATEMENT ON BOSNIA ISSUED BY CONTACT GROUP MINISTERS

NEW YORK, USA (September 29,2007) - The Foreign Ministers of United States,Great Britain, Russia, France, Italy and Germany, discussed in New York issues on Bosnia and have released the following statement:

"The Contact Group has played a central role in efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Balkans for the past fifteen years. Since the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995, substantial progress has been achieved in Bosnia to implement the terms of the agreement and on reforms necessary to ensure the stability and sustainability of the country.

Contact Group Ministers are concerned, however, that over the past 18 months, progress on Dayton Implementation and reform has come to a halt, and extremist rhetoric has been on the rise. Ministers urge Bosnia's leaders to put polemics aside and focus on the pressing issues that will promote a normal and improved quality of life for the country's citizens, as well as progress toward the EU.

Ministers expressed their full support for the High Representative Miroslav Lajcak and his efforts to fully support the Dayton Accords and to advance reforms, particularly police restructuring, which are essential for Bosnia to move forward and build a better future for all citizens of Bosnia.

The Contact Group reiterates its support for the Dayton Peace Accords and for the territorial integrity of Bosnia. Ministers underscore that it is time for Bosnia's politicians to end the practice of questioning the fundamental structure of the state or its component parts. Changes to the governing structures of Bosnia can only be made in accordance with established procedures in the constitution of Bosnia," the statement said.