European Union (EU) officials encouraged leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) major political parties to continue the negotiations regarding the electoral reform here on Tuesday, in order for BiH general elections in October 2018 to be smoothly implemented.
After the meeting held in the Delegation of the EU to BiH headquarters in the capital Sarajevo, EU and United States (US) officials agreed that there is still a lot of work to be done but encouraged BiH politicians to continue the negotiations.
The Head of EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, pointed out that more concrete approach was taken with representatives of BiH political parties, which will enable the implementation of electoral results. He reminded that it is crucial to implement the verdict of the BiH Constitutional Courtand that political leaders need to be focused on the election of delegates to the House of Peoples.
“There is a lot of work to be done, it is important to continue working because there is not enough time,” Wigemark said, adding that it is important forBiH general elections in October 2018 to be smoothly implemented in accordance with the rule of law and international law.
At the beginning of her addressing, the Director for Western Balkans and Turkey of European External Action Service Angelina Eichhorst pointed out that the EU wants to see BiH heading strongly on its way to the EU, but that they also want from BiH to find solutions.
She pointed out on the evident readiness of BiH political leaders to find a solution, and on clear awareness of taking responsibility for the next steps.
“Currently, it is a good moment to consider what can be done, Western Balkan region is a priority for the EU. I believe the solution can be found, “Eichhorst said. Earlier in April this year, the European Commission report called for the electoral framework to be urgently amended in order for BiH general elections in October 2018 not to be obstructed.
Sarajevo Times
