Brussels, 06/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian Serb entity (Republika Sprska) signed, on Monday, an agreement to establish "special relations" for strengthening their economic and social cooperation. The economy, the fight against crime, privatisation, healthcare, education and sport are among the areas that could be the subject of close cooperation, according to the arrangements defined in greater detail once the general agreement has been ratified. The agreement also stipulates that both parties undertake to show "respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina" and to contribute to the social, democratic and economic development of the FRY, the Republika Sprska, the whole of Bosnia and the region as a whole.
The Swedish Presidency of the European Union Council states in a declaration that the "European Union notes the establishment today of a Special Parallel Relationship agreement between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republika Srpska of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in conformity with the Dayton/Paris Agreement. The EU wishes to emphasise that all aspects of these special relations must be based on complete transparency as well as respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Union looks forward to strengthened and deepened relations between the FRY and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU also expects the fullest support from the parties concerned for all aspects of the Dayton Peace Process in order to promote an enduring peace and stability in the whole region.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration".