Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H Meets US Officials in Washington

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H Dr. Nikola Špirić held a series of meetings with top-ranking officials in Washington, whom he briefed of the political-security situation in B-H. 

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers expressed his hope that political parties’ leaders will, at the meeting scheduled for Monday, September 26, find answers to at least some of issues that stuck the Euro-Atlantic process of B-H.

At separate meetings, Chairman Špirić talked with US Congressman Dan Burton, First Deputy US Secretary of State Tina Kaidanow, and Deputy Assistant Defence Secretary Celeste Volander. Also, he held a meeting in the White House with representatives of the National Security Council.

Almost all interlocutors stated their concern over the situation in B-H, but also expectations that all-level authorities will undertake additional efforts as to unblock the process, and that the negotiations on establishment of authorities will be finalised successfully.

The American interlocutors expressed their expectations concerning the fulfilment of requirements for the status of EU candidate-country, including finding solution to the issue of military real estate, with a view at furtherance of defence reform.

Congressman Burton expressed his understanding for the situation in B-H and hope that a progress in regard to EU integrations-related obligations of B-H will be fulfilled. The Chairman informed the Congressman on the newest developments in B-H, with a focus on the up-coming meeting of the political leaders in B-H, hoping that a progress will be made.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers discussed the challenges B-H faces with First Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ms. Kaidanow. The importance of fulfilment of conditions set for achieving the candidate status, which includes solving the issue of the ECHR Decision in case “Sejdić and Finci”, census, state aid and military real estate was underlined. They discussed the newest Palestinian initiative before the Security Council, and stressed a vital importance of compromise that is only possible to reach in peaceful manner through talks.

At a meeting in Pentagon, the role of the USA in the defence reform in B-H was highlighted. On that occasion, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Ms. Volander thanked for the engagement of B-H armed forces in Afghanistan. The Chairman invited Volander to visit B-H.

During the talks in the White House, a concern for the situation in B-H was vowed, as well as a conviction that the stalemates will be removed soon on fulfilment of conditions that are a part of the Euro-Atlantic integrations of B-H, and that B-H will persist on that road.

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