Brussels, 15/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the General Affairs/External Relations Council adopted conclusions on: - Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ministers deplore the fact that the pace of reform has slowed down over this year, which could affect the timetable for concluding talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). The Council expresses particular concern about the lack of progress made in implementing the October 2005 agreement on restructuring the police force and calls on the Bosnian authorities to continue and speed up reforms as rapidly as possible to ensure talks are successful; - Montenegro. The Council welcomes the orderly and peaceful way in which the 10 September elections unfolded and the conclusion reached by international observers who deemed the ballot met international standards. The EU is now waiting for a government to be formed and for the Parliament to come to an agreement on adoption of a new Constitution compatible with European norms. The Twenty-Five also trust that the new government will hold “continuous dialogue” with the opposition and that it will pursue reforms required without delay in order to move forward along the road to European integration, especially in the field of justice/freedom/security and strengthened administrative capacity. Ministers also welcome the Commission's intention to resume talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in coming weeks (EUROPE 9262). Also on Friday, the Council adopted a joint declaration with Montenegro on enhanced political dialogue. Both sides agree to establish “regular political dialogue to accompany and consolidate their rapprochement”, contributing to the establishment of “new forms of cooperation”. In concrete terms, political dialogue will above all aim to strengthen democratic principles and institutions, rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities, as well as promote regional cooperation in the Balkans, increase convergence of stances adopted by both sides on international issues, and strengthen stability and security in the Balkans and throughout Europe. This political dialogue will take the form of high level meetings (Troika on the EU side), an exchange of information on decisions taken regarding foreign policy, and contacts at parliamentary level; - Serbia. The Council restated that “a peaceful and prosperous Serbia fully integrated into the family of European nations is very important for stability in the region”. Ministers again pointed out that negotiations on an SAA (currently suspended) will be reactivated as soon as Serbia has met the condition of full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal on the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), in The Hague. The government of Belgrade has been invited to speed up implementation of its action plan aimed at meeting this criterion.