Time for political leaders to show a strong sense of reality, compromise and political will

“Political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina have an opportunity for a new beginning after the recently held general elections. They must seize this opportunity to change course and create a positive atmosphere for reforms,” High Representative Valentin Inzko said today in Warsaw, where he met with Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna, the OHR announced, as reported by the Bosnian news agency Patria. 

In the previous days, the High Representative also visited Washington, where he held a series of talks with senior officials of the U.S. State Department and members of Congress.

At these meetings, the High Representative stressed that political leaders should finally take stock of the political, economic and social reality in Bosnia and Herzegovina and be fully aware of the urgency of the situation. They must begin to put the interests of citizens first by respecting and implementing the Peace Agreement and fulfilling the conditions for EU and NATO membership.

“It is time for political leaders to show a strong sense of reality, constructive compromise and political will. The international community is ready to provide support in every possible way, but the essential decision to move forward must come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, that is, from the demands of citizens and the far-sighted moves of elected leaders,” Inzko said.

The High Representative particularly emphasized the need for the swift formation of authorities at all levels.

“I call on elected officials to establish a concrete reform plan and agree on the formation of governments in order to enable progress on many issues, especially those needed to strengthen the rule of law in BiH and achieve progress on the European path,” Inzko said.

The High Representative stressed that, for reform efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to succeed, the international community should also continue to provide support to positive political initiatives and be firm in efforts to prevent challenges to the Peace Agreement or attempts to undermine the state.