GREGORIAN MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF BOSNIAN DIASPORA

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 24,2007) - The International Community's Principal Deputy High Representative in Bosnia, Raffi Gregorian, met with the representatives of the World Congress of Bosnian Diaspora headed by the President, Senada Softic Telalovic.

During the meeting representatives of the Bosnian Diaspora briefed Gregorian on obstacles they have when intending to stay engaged in the Bosnian society by bringing investments, best practices and knowledge gained in the countries where they live now.

Ms. Senada Softic Telalovic briefed the International Community's Principal Deputy High Representative in Bosnia on the idea to form a Committee of the Bosnian Diaspora Council under the auspices of the Bosnian Council of Ministers.

"Diaspora of all constituent people and others wishes to do more for their homeland, however political obstacles are in their way of achieving that. They are saying - we want to help, we want to come back, but the Bosnian authorities have to do something to help them do that" said Gregorian.

The question of dual citizenship was also addressed.Gregorian pointed to the High Representative's Decision issued five years ago by which time for resolving of the issue of dual citizenship is extended until 2013.

"I hope that the Bosnian authorities will consider a much more fundamental reform of dual-citizenship provisions, in order to bring Bosnia into line with increasingly common international practice. This issue affects Bosnia's human capital, as many of the Bosnian citizens who live abroad are well educated, have valuable skills and investment potentials. This is an important resource for the future development of the country," Gregorian concluded.