OSCE Chairman-in-Office stresses need for full BiH integration into Europe

SARAJEVO, 13 March 2002 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Jaime Gama, Foreign Minister of Portugal, stressed the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to focus its efforts as a state to become a successful part of Europe, politically, economically and according to European standards, during his meetings with BiH authorities today and yesterday. He concludes his two-day visit to BiH today, his second to the country.

After meeting with authorities on state and entity level the CiO noted that his impression from those talks was that the authorities were determined to head "forwards and upwards. BiH should become a country that goes towards the future and remembers the past. The leaders realize the importance of BiH to move from being dependent on assistance to be a self-sustainable one," said Minister Gama.

In his dialogue with the Bosnian authorities, the Chairman-in-Office focussed on the streamlining efforts, strengthening of state institutions, the need for military reduction and sustainable return of refugees, the key issues for BiH's integration into Europe. "Streamlining will lead to transfer of power and responsibility in this country from the international community to the citizens. Streamlining means that the international organizations will perform their tasks better and the people of this country will realize how the institutions work." Regarding the OSCE's future role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Gama mentioned security issues and institution building, including democratization, human rights and the rule of law.

In his meetings with BiH authorities at state and entity level Minister Gama stressed the need for enhanced co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia. He emphasized the importance of regional co-operation to ensure stability in BiH as well as in the whole region. That was imperative in light of constitutional amendments, refugee returns and security, he said.

"I want to mention in particular downsizing of the armed forces which will enable them to modernize and by that increase the safety and security of the country. Downsizing signifies the absence of threat and leads to stability of the whole region. I know it is difficult but I am very optimistic about the result."