OSCE Chairman in Office Karel De Gucht on constitutional amendments in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BRUSSELS, 24 April 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Mr Karel De Gucht, welcomed the adoption of the constitutional amendments by the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives and urged the plenary session of both houses of parliament to follow suit.

"These constitutional amendments are an important first step towards strengthening the state level institutions and streamlining the decision-making processes of Bosnia and Herzegovina", said Minister De Gucht.

"It is encouraging that Bosnia's political leaders have been able to negotiate and compromise on the constitutional set-up of their country. I am confident these changes will facilitate the structural reforms Bosnia and Herzegovina needs on its path towards Europe."

"The OSCE remains dedicated to strengthening the rule of law, promoting democratic accountability, and advocating respect for human rights. The constitutional agreement contributes to all of these objectives."

"These reforms are only first steps in a long-term process. I hope negotiations on further constitutional reform will continue after the October elections", concluded Minister De Gucht.