OSCE Chairman encourages Bosnian officials to go ahead with education and defence reform

SARAJEVO, 29 March 2004 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, highly appreciated the political stability in the country and the progress achieved in the implementation of the Peace Agreements. He encouraged senior government officials of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on Monday to go ahead with reforms in education and defence, saying these were essential for democratic development and for future European Union and NATO membership.

"Education is a major tool for setting up democratic institutions and securing democratic governance, for generating respect for human rights, for sustainable economic development and raising human resources for successful market economies. We should also keep in mind that future peace and security in the region depends very much on the proper education and training of young generations," Minister Passy said during a visit to Sarajevo.

"Similarly, defence reform could also be an important instrument for creating the necessary conditions for modernization and economic recovery, as it will ensure secure and stable environment with a responsible command and control."

The Chairman-in-Office commended the BiH Presidency for its commitments on education and the results achieved so far in the defence reform. He emphasized the need to continue with the implementation of these reforms, including also further steps in the institution building, judiciary reform, rule of law, etc.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina has enormous prospects ahead of it as it prepares for joining Partnership for Peace and future integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures. In this regard it is important to meet its obligations," said Minister Passy.

In a meeting with the Chairman of BiH Presidency, Suleijman Tihic, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister stressed that the OSCE is prepared to render all necessary support and assistance for the achievement of BiH's main goals.

During his visit, the Chairman-in-Office also met BiH Prime Minister Adnan Terzic, High Representative Lord Ashdown, the Head of the European Commission Delegation to BiH, Ambassador Michael Humphries, and Deputy Foreign Minister Lidija Topic.