Dr. Lagumdzija - Martonyi – Kurz: New approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina necessary and to be based on two parallel directions



On 27 March 2014, in Sarajevo, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Zlatko Lagumdzija met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary Janos Martonyi and Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz.

Dr. Lagumdzija expressed satisfaction with regard to the joint visit of Foreign Ministers of Hungary and Austria and stated that the visit represents a huge encouragement for our country, bearing in mind they advocate for B&H to a great extent. He emphasized that the importance of this visit is grater because it is taking place after the last meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union and following the visit of High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Cathrine Ashton to Sarajevo.

At the beginning of the meeting Dr. Lagumdzija informed his interlocutors about recent political events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, placing particular accent to justified requests of B&H citizens and European integration that were main issues of today`s discussion. In light of recent events in B&H he emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to its European path as well as that it will not give up the implementation of political conditions for continuation of its European way. He emphasized that it will be worked intensively on the implementation of the ruling in the “Sejdic-Finci” case and setting-up an effective coordination mechanism but, at present, necessary are key economic and social reforms, rule of law, fighting organized crime and corruption that cannot be achieved without EU assistance.  

In that regard, a special topic for discussion was preparations for the forthcoming meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union (FAC) to take place in April. Dr. Lagumdzija expressed aspiration and expectation that the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU at its April meeting will put forward its vision for a new approach to B&H which will provide a new hope for a better future to B&H citizens.

Dr. Lagumdzija pointed out that a new approach to be based on two parallel directions is necessary, one leading to fulfilment of political goals of B&H on its path to the EU, actually the implementation of the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the “Sejdic-Finci” case, and setting-up an efficient coordination mechanism. He emphasized that another direction, which should provide implementation of economic and social reforms, rule of law and systemic fighting corruption and organized crime, is equally important – and these issues represent justified requests of B&H citizens who express their discontent during demonstrations.

At the same time, Dr. Lagumdzija welcomed a new approach of the European Commission to European integration process of countries engaged in the accession process to the EU, that placed an accent to increasing competitiveness, labour market reform and the issue which is specific for B&H, accelerated use of IPA funds and expanding the Structured Dialogue on Justice to some parts of Chapters 23 and 24 that refer to fighting corruption, priorities related to basic rights and reform of sector for internal affairs.

Dr. Lagumdzija reminded his interlocutors on the content of Non-Paper that was forwarded to counterparts in the EU in which a possible way for launching and accelerating the process of B&H European integration was presented as contribution to discussion that is taking place in the EU. 

At the meeting Dr. Lagumdzija expressed commitment of Bosnia and Herzegovina for further advancing bilateral relations with Hungary and Austria in all areas, in particular economy and trade, as well as its readiness to continue successful cooperation that we had until present-day in the framework of various regional initiatives.