DEADLINE FOR REACHING POLICE REFORM AGREEMENT EXTENDED

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 3,2007) – The International Community's High Representative in Bosnia,Miroslav Lajcak, called on Bosnia's leaders yesterday to put in additional efforts in order to reach a police reform agreement as soon possible. That agreement should be in accordance with the European demands and should have the necessary political support,Lajcak said.

Lajcak stated that the deadline for police reform agreement passed and added that he has already agreed with the European Commissioner for Expansion Olli Rehn to expand the deadline and wait a couple of more days.Lajcak welcomed the efforts made and warned that the politicians should not give up half of the way.

“We know that Montenegro will sign the Stabilisation and Association Agreement in the next few days and it looks like Serbia could initial its SAA in mid-October.There is still a chance for Bosnia not to be left behind,” Lajcak said in a press conference.

At the same time, he stated that there has not been any political agreement achieved on the police reform in accordance with the three EU principles.

Referring to the protocol signed by Haris Silajdzic,a member of the Bosnian Presidency, and Milorad Dodik, leader of the Serbians living in Bosnia, Lajcak welcomed the latest development: “What I am seeing is a new level of engagement by political leaders and this is certainly positive and encouraging,” he said.

Lajcak thanked all the participants who have been involved constructively in finding a solution, primarily the HDZ BiH and HDZ 1990 parties and the SDA party leader Sulejman Tihic.