2005 Press Releases

Embassy Statement on Police Reform

10/11/05

The United States is encouraged by the progress made thus far on obtaining agreement to police restructuring in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in line with EU requirements.  We are pleased that the EU foresees the initiation of negotiations for a Stabilization and Association agreement with BiH by year's end if the police reform condition is fulfilled.

Passage of the European Commission-endorsed text is still required by the Federation and state Parliaments, and we urge all parties to demonstrate their commitment to this reform through speedy approval of the draft agreement without changes.

The issue of police reform in the context of the tenth anniversary of the Dayton accords will be a major issue of discussion during the October 12 visit of U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns.

The United States fully expects all parties to negotiate the numerous technical details of police restructuring in good faith during the implementation phase, including the issue of local policing areas, in line with the three EC principles.  These important technical issues must be resolved sooner rather than later, and in the framework of creating a professional, de-politicized police force.  The U.S. fully intends, in concert with the Office of the High Representative and the EU, to engage intensively in this process.