High Representative Christian Schmidt met today in Sarajevo with Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. They had a good discussion about current political developments including Euro-Atlantic integrations of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of obligations undertaken by domestic political stakeholders and commitments of the European Union and wider international community in BiH to assist the accession process.
At the meeting, the High Representative outlined that BiH is at a crossroads between the opportunities arising from the perspective of accession talks with the EU and the threats posed by persistent attacks against the General Framework Agreement for Peace. He called on BiH politicians “to act responsibly and decisively in the coming period in order to honor their promises given to BiH citizens to provide them with the opportunity for growth and development, prosperity and a better future.”
He further remarked that the way in which the Czech Republic and Germany dealt with the painful mutual past is a good example from which lessons can be learned on how to strengthen reconciliation processes and understanding in the society.
High Representative Schmidt thanked Minister Lipavský for the continued contribution the Czech Republic provides to the efforts of the international community in BiH in support of the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
