Interview with EU High Representative Javier Solana: “BiH Leaders are gambling the future of their country”


by Sead Numanovic 


The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is worsening. It seems that the country is heading inevitably towards dissolution. Do you share this view?


Yes, it is true that the political situation is worsening, and we are again concerned about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) at the highest level. The views of the main leaders continue to diverge and it seems increasingly difficult to reach agreement on the key issues. It would be a very bad signal if BiH falls behind Serbia and Montenegro this autumn in the EU integration process. But I do not share the view that BiH is heading for dissolution. Bosnia and Herzegovina is an internationally recognised sovereign state whose territorial integrity is guaranteed under international law. The EU has made a firm commitment to the country. So instead of questioning the existence of the state or its entities, the country’s political leaders should focus on the pressing issues that the country faces, such as meeting the requirements for signing a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.


Serb and Croat political leaders have spoken out in favour of the creation of a third entity in BiH. What is you view on this issue? It seems that the EU does not have a clearly defined position in this respect?


Each EU member state has its own constitutional structure, and there is no single model that can be applied to every country. I understand that there are various proposals being put forward for the future constitutional organisation of BiH, both at the political and expert level. For the EU the goal of constitutional change in BiH is to make the country more functional and efficient, and its administration less expensive. In the end, BiH needs to find a model that reflects its nature, but that at the same time prepares the country for the process of European integration.


Some Bosniak political circles are of the opinion that the international community is ready to compensate Serbia for the loss of Kosovo by recognizing the independence of Republika Srpska. Is this true?


I do not expect that the outcome of talks on the future status of Kosovo will have any effect on BiH. Any statements drawing parallels between decisions on Kosovo’s future status and the position of Republika Srpska in BiH are irresponsible and serve only to raise political tensions.


Some Bosniak politicians are also convinced that the EU does not sincerely want BiH, despite proclamations to the contrary by Brussels and European leaders. They say that new obstacles are being invented all the time so as to prevent Bosnia (like Turkey) from embarking on the European road. What is your response to such claims?


I think such speculations are absurd. At every EU summit since 1999, the EU has sent a clear signal to BiH that it will support the country’s efforts to integrate with the EU and that the doors of the EU are open for BiH. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European country. I would also like to stress that BiH, as a multiethnic country is wholeheartedly welcome in a multiethnic and diverse Europe. In addition there is an extraordinarily high level of public support in BiH for its European future, much more so than in some candidate countries. BiH, like all countries aspiring to join the European Union must meet the criteria and honour their commitments. As a clear example, in October 2005 BiH’s Parliaments committed to a police reform process in line with the three EU principles. Unfortunately, this commitment remains to be fulfilled. Each country’s progress is assessed individually, and the speed at which Bosnia and Herzegovina, or any other country, moves closer to the European Union depends entirely on its own merits.


On the other hand, some analysts believe that Europe – and the International Community in general – will focus their energy on addressing the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as the Kosovo issue is resolved. Is this prediction correct?


Discussions on the future status of Kosovo might be in the media spotlight at the moment, but that does not mean that the EU is not following the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina very closely. We are very concerned about the stalemate in the reform process. The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, is working hard to get the reform process back on track and ensure that BiH can still conclude an SAA with the EU as soon as possible.


How do you look upon the rejection by Bosniak and Serb political leaders of Lajčák’s police reform concept, which he presented to them recently?


The important thing is that the process is now continuing. I strongly encourage all political parties to continue to work constructively with my Special Representative Mr. Lajčák on the basis of his proposal and reach a comprehensive agreement without delay. The proposal that is now on the table is a fair and balanced compromise solution that enjoys the full backing of the European Union. It meets the three EU principles for police reform and builds on the work of the last three years on this issue. I sometimes have the feeling that political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina do not see the wood for the trees. They are gambling the European future of the country over a technical reform for the sake of symbols and short term interests.


What is your message to Bosniak and Serb politicians in this regard?


I call on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whether at the state or entity level, to think of the country as a whole and of all its citizens when negotiating key reforms. Only compromise in the interests of all can move the reform process forward and bring BiH closer to the European Union. A large majority of citizens of all backgrounds believes that the key priority of their elected representatives should be European integration, and it is irresponsible from political leaders to deny them the European future to which they aspire.


There are increasing indications that the failure of police reform, and the overall blockade of the reform process, will not pass without consequences. What concrete consequences can we expect? Will BiH be isolated and put in quarantine?


The inevitable consequence of such a scenario is self-isolation as the rest of the region continues towards integration with the EU. The European Union will not change its requirements. Whether the country makes progress depends therefore solely on Bosnia and Herzegovina and its political leaders.


Call on BiH politicians


I call on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whether at the state or entity level, to think of the country as a whole and of all its citizens when negotiating key reforms. Only compromise in the interests of all can move the reform process forward and bring BiH closer to the European Union. A large majority of citizens of all backgrounds believes that the key priority of their elected representatives should be European integration, and it is irresponsible from political leaders to deny them the European future to which they aspire.


Full support to Lájčak


Miroslav Lajčák and his efforts have my full support and that of the European Union as a whole. Party leaders should make best use of his efforts to reach agreement on police reform by the end of September. His aim -and ours – is to help Bosnia and Herzegovina move closer to the EU. We know this is what the people want. Unfortunately, we have not yet seen any clear willingness among domestic leaders to agree reforms needed to meet the requirements of EU integration. It is quite disappointing.

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