Inzko: Coalitions for results, not distribution of positions

The only way to turn a new page after eight years of stagnation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is for governments at all levels to break with old practices and start implementing much-needed reforms, stated High Representative Valentin Inzko today in Luxembourg, where he met with the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of that country, Jean Asselborn, reports the Patria News Agency. 

“The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community completely agree on one very simple thing: we expect a fundamental change in the way politics is conducted in this country. Political leaders must not harbor any illusions that the current way of working will be acceptable,” said Inzko.

Expressing regret that governments at the state and federal levels have not yet been formed, more than five months after the general elections in BiH, the High Representative said that political parties, when considering the distribution of work within new governments, should focus their energy on concrete measures that will improve the lives of citizens:

“Coalition negotiations must contain more than a mere distribution of positions – citizens expect to hear from the new authorities how they intend to fulfill the promises made in the elections. We have not heard that so far.”

The rule of law – which implies full respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement – the implementation of economic reforms, and the fight against corruption must be among the key priorities of the new authorities, said the High Representative. OHR.

The European Union and other international actors, with complementary mandates, are present on the ground to help the country respond to these challenges.

“This is a time to reiterate our commitment to a united and reintegrated Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting the implementation of deep and sometimes painful changes that are necessary for the country to become a functional, stable, and prosperous member of the European family,” concluded the High Representative.

Luxembourg will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2015. Jean Asselborn, who has been Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2004, has held this position longer than any other Minister of Foreign Affairs in the European Union, it was announced from the OHR.