The High Representative of the Union, Kaja Kallas, visited Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday 8 April, the day after her visit to Montenegro (see EUROPE 13616/4) and just after meeting the leader of Albania, Edi Rama (see EUROPE 13617/4).
In particular, she held talks with members of the country’s Presidency and visited EUFOR Althea troops.
According to the High Representative, Bosnia-Herzegovina “can count on the EU’s firm support in its accession process”, but on condition that internal tensions and threats to the country’s integrity are stabilised.
“The country is facing a serious constitutional crisis. Republika Srpska’s (Bosnian Serb Republic) leadership is undermining the constitutional and legal order, threatening the fundamental freedom of all citizens. These actions contradict the commitments that Bosnia and Herzegovina has undertaken on its EU path. We will not tolerate any threats to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any attempt to break up the country is unacceptable”, Kaja Kallas made it clear in her address to EUFOR troops.
Bosnia is currently experiencing a major internal crisis, due to the separatist ambitions of the Bosnian Serb entity and its leader, Milorad Dodik, who rejects the authority of the Bosnian Constitutional Court (see EUROPE 13604/12). He is currently on the run outside the country.
“It is up to you to find a solution to the current crisis. Political instability is also hindering progress towards EU membership”, insisted the High Representative. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)