EU Foreign Ministers: BiH authorities should resolve open issues and surplus weapons

The Council of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Ministers held a meeting today in Luxembourg, where they adopted conclusions welcoming the holding of general elections in BiH, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

1. The Council emphasises the crucial importance of the swift formation of authorities and calls on BiH leaders to act without delay in order to ensure this. The Council recalls its conclusions from April 2014 and again calls on domestic leaders to immediately engage on a broad set of issues in order to respond to the challenges the country faces on its European integration path. The Council confirms its determination to provide active and strong support in this process.

2. The Council welcomes the continued presence of European Union military forces within the framework of Operation Althea, with an emphasis on training and capacity building, while retaining the ability to contribute to the capacities of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for deterrence, should the situation require it.  In this context and bearing in mind the overall European Union strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council confirms the readiness of the European Union at this stage to continue its further executive military role in support of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment, within the framework of a renewed United Nations mandate. 

3. The Council reiterates its agreement to conduct a regular review of the operation, including a review based on the situation on the ground, with regard to progress related to the conditions in favour of the implementation of the mandate. 

4. The European Union at the same time encourages the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the international community, to accelerate their efforts to resolve the issue of disposing of surplus ammunition and other open issues, reports Patria.