LAJCAK VISITED RUSSIA

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (October 7,2007) - The International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia, Miroslav Lajcak, visited Moscow where he met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Genadievic Titov.

Discussions focused on the current political situation in Bosnia and the country's progress in terms of stability, economic development and the forthcoming meeting of the Peace Implementation Council.

The High Representative Lajcak updated the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Titov on key reform issues, most notably police reform. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister expressed the Russian Government's support for Lajcak's reform efforts in Bosnia.

Lajcak and Titov agreed that the reforms linked to EU integration represent the best strategy for Bosnia's development.

"The International Community's priority is to make Bosnia a stable, prosperous and modern European state", said the International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia Miroslav Lajcak.

Russia is a key member of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board (PIC). Lajcak outlined the positive role that Russia has played in Bosnia 's development and that Russia's support is essential if the reform agenda in Bosnia is to succeed.

Lajcak's visit to Moscow is first in the series of visits to capitals of key PIC members to brief them of the Bosnia's progress ahead of the Peace Implementation Council meeting to take place on 30 and 31 October in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo.