The European Union’s High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schwarz-Schilling met in Brussels today to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in advance of February’s meeting of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC).

The two officials discussed the pace of government formation, constitutional reform, and regional political developments. They also discussed progress on key requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina to sign a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union – in particular police reform.

Dr Schwarz-Schilling underlined his determination to continue a policy of ownership and to work towards transition. At the same time, the PIC Steering Board in February would have to judge whether the timing for transition was right.

Dr Solana and Dr Schwarz-Schilling strongly rejected any attempt to link the future of Republika Srpska and the decision on Kosovo’s final status.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a recognised sovereign state whose territorial integrity is guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Agreement,” Dr Schwarz-Schilling said, adding that: “Serbia is a signatory of the Dayton Peace Agreement and must respect its international obligations.”

As part of his talks in Brussels, Dr Schwarz-Schilling also met Commissioner Olli Rehn and senior officials of the Council and the Commission.