Brussels, 08/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 4 July, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle called on the leaders and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a change in perspective with regard to their continuation on the European path. “So far, it appears that short-term party or ethnic interests have been more important than taking a decision about the long term future. This needs to change urgently, and making this change is a matter for both the leaders and the people”, Ashton and Füle stated in a joint press release.
Giving the example of Serbia and Kosovo, Ashton and Füle said that two lessons should be learned to avoid Bosnia being left behind. “First, the impetus needs to come from brave and bold leadership (…). Without political courage and determination, the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not progress”, they stated. “Second, it is vital to listen to the people”, Ashton and Füle added, saying that people in the region, “and certainly in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, want jobs, trade and investment, and also to live peacefully together. “The European Union helps to make all of this happen (…) that's why the leaders in your neighbouring states are making progress towards the EU a priority”, Ashton and Füle stated.
“The question therefore is if Bosnia and Herzegovina is happy to be left behind as its neighbours move forward. The European Union cannot and will not impose your future on you. We will help you, but ultimately Bosnia and Herzegovina is responsible for taking the right steps now, if a European future is what its people desire”, they added, addressing Bosnians. Ashton and Füle again called on the leaders to implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, underling, however, that this will not address all the country's challenges. (CG/transl.fl)