LONG-AWAITED AGREEMENT ON POLICE REFORM IN BOSNIA ADOPTED

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (December 4,2007) – Bosnia’s leaders have shown a willingness to reach agreements and to make progress towards the EU membership, the Internatioal Community's High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia Miroslav Lajčák and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn agreed in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo yesterday.

“I welcome the decision of the Bosnian Council of Ministers to adopt the Mostar Declaration and Action Plan on Police Reform, which includes clear deadlines and commitments,” Lajčák said following the meeting.

“The political debate in Bosnia is entering a new phase. Politicians have shown leadership and a willingness to reach compromise for the benefit of all Bosnian citizens. This is commendable and I am confident that the European Union will value this new political dynamic,” Lajčák said.

Lajčák and Rehn called on the Bosnian Government and the Bosnian Parliament to build on recent achievements to ensure that Bosnia keeps pace with its neighbours and makes quick progress towards the EU membership.