HEAD OF EUPM AWARDS SERVICE MEDALS TO MISSION MEMBERS

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 20,2007) - Head of the European Union Police Mission in Bosnia (EUPM), Brigadier General Vincenzo Coppola, presented yesterday the ESDP Service Medal to mission members from 26 EU member states and 6 contributing non EU countries.

“With these medals, I wish to thank you for your service and commitment to EUPM’s goals towards professionalising and modernizing the police work” said General Coppola.

General Coppola confirmed that the EUPM would in the coming period focus on improving professional co-operation of police bodies in Bosnia with a strengthened Police Steering Board as the highest police co-ordination body of the country, EUPM said.

“I regret that the politicians of this country failed to agree on police reform. This is much and foremost a tragedy for the Bosnian citizens as it prevents them from getting a modern and efficient police.” said General Coppola.