Brussels, 10/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 10 February, the EU expressed its concern about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as protests about poverty in the country continue. EU foreign affairs ministers began their Council by briefly discussing Bosnia. They proposed that the EU aid Bosnia economically, and that it help Bosnia's financial institutions to be able to support the country and bring economic reform. The EU foreign affairs ministers also reportedly proposed aid for economic reforms. By contrast, they rejected the proposal from the international high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Valentin Inzko, to send additional EU troops should the situation escalate.
“The most important issue is for the leaders to reflect on and consider the population's real concerns - not only on specific issues but, more broadly, about the economy and finding a way to progress politically”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton as she arrived at the Council. “There are plenty of politicians [in Bosnia]. It's time for them to show their leadership”, she added.
Luxembourg's Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn gave his support “to all those who want stability in Bosnia”. “This is one of the most difficult issues that we have in the Balkans. We must defend the principle that Bosnia is a country and not a group of communities.” “It must move in the right direction as a country”, he added. His British counterpart, William Hague, believed that the events “are a wake-up call for the EU and the international community. We must focus more effort to help Bosnia through joining the EU and NATO.” “Economic and social failures are at the origin [of the problem]. Policy focus has often been on the wrong issues”, said Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on Twitter.
On 7 February, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stated that, while “citizens have the right to express satisfaction and to call for solutions, they must all avoid violence!”
Several demonstrations have been organised to protest against the government and poverty - demonstrations that are unprecedented since the end of the war. On 7 February, a presidency building was set on fire. On 9 February, two political party members of the government coalition called for early parliamentary elections in order to calm the population. The parliamentary elections are normally scheduled for October. (CG/transl.fl)