LAJCAK MET WITH ITALIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY CRUCIANELLI

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (November 21,2007) - The International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia, Miroslav Lajčák, met with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary, Famiano Crucianelli. During the meeting Lajcak briefed the Italian State Secretary Crucianelli on political situation in Bosnia.

Crucianelli expressed the support to the measures undertaken by the International Community's High Representative in Bosnia as they are necessary for better functionality of the Bosnian Government.

The measures are fair, balanced and positive for the functioning of the Bosnian Government. They are not directed against any group or people, nor do they not undermine the protection of vital national interests of any of the constitutive peoples in Bosnia, the Office of the International Community's High Representative in Bosnia (OHR/EUSR) said.

Lajcak and Crucianelli agreed that EU path is the right path for Bosnia and called upon Bosnia's political leaders to make concrete steps to unblock the road to EU as soon as possible. This will bring clear benefits to all the citizens of the country and contribute towards regional stability and security.

Mostar Declaration, as characterized by both the International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia Lajčák and Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Crucianelli is a positive signal of leading Bosnia's politicians to move police reform forward as it remains a key EU requirement.