STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL ON THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

On behalf of NATO, I express my strong support for the declaration of the Peace Implementation Council of today and for the High Representative, Mr. Miroslav Lajèak, and the decisions he has taken since assuming office.  These decisions are fully in line with his mandate and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, including efforts to improve the functioning of state institutions, is vital for the proper functioning of BiH and NATO supports such efforts.  Rather than questioning the Dayton Accord, BiH politicians, in particular leaders of the Republika Srpska, should abide by their obligations and take concrete steps to improve the functioning of the state.  This is essential to the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration; it will also serve the interests of all the citizens of BiH.