EU POLICE MISSION STANDS READY TO FURTHER ASSIST BOSNIA'S POLICE FORCES

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (September 21,2007) - The European Union Police Mission to Bosnia welcomed the decision taken by the Bosnian Presidency to request an extension of its mandate in Bosnia from the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Secretary-General of both the Council of the European Javier Solana.

“I view this decision as a sign of recognition of the Mission’s achievements in Bosnia” said Brigadier General Vincenzo Coppola,Head of the European Union Police Mission to Bosnia (EUPM).

“As part of the overall EU engagement in Bosnia, the Mission stands ready to continue working alongside its colleagues in Bosnia in further professionalising Bosnia's police service and improving overall security of all Bosnian citizens, Coppola said.

The final decision on the extension of the EU Police Mission’s mandate is expected to be taken later this year by the EU Member States.