OHR WELCOMES EXTENTION OF EUFOR MANDATE IN BOSNIA

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (November 23,2007) - The Office of the International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia (OHR) welcomes the UN Security Council decision to extend the mandate of the European Union Force (EUFOR) in Bosnia,the OHR stated.

This decision is a confirmation of the serious commitment of the International Community towards Bosnia. Although the security situation in the country is stable EUFOR will continue to provide reassurance and remain ready to respond to eventual security challenges in the future,the OHR said.

The Extension of EUFOR mandate is an opportunity to continue excellent co-operation between the various EU institutions in Bosnia. Earlier this week,EU Foreign Ministers reiterated that as part of the European Union's overall engagement in Bosnia, the EU would retain a military presence in the country for as long as necessary in order to continue to contribute to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment,the Office of the International Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia said in a statement.