EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSSED POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN BOSNIA

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (May 28,2008) – EU Council of Ministers, which discussed yesterday the political developments in Bosnia in the context of preparations for signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Bosnia and the EU, invited all authorities in the country to take all necessary measures in order for the temporary agreement on trade as a composite of the SAA could be effective immediately.

Ministers welcomed opening of the dialogue on free visa regime with Bosnia which formally opened on Monday with first expert and technical discussion on the development of specific criteria and conditions within the Road Map for Bosnia.

EU military and security situation was rated as stabile and it was concluded that the EU will continue with its active role, including the Eropean Union Force in Bosnia (EUFOR) as part of total efforts of the EU in Bosnia.

In conclusions they stated that the EU will preserve its leading role in securing safety and stability in Bosnia.

The council welcomed recent adoption of the Bosnian police reform laws and stated that it firmly supports The European Union Police Mission in Bosnia (EUPM) in providing aid to Bosnian authorities to implement the reform more successfully.
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