2006 Press Releases

Embassy Statement on Consitutional Reform

02/17/06

The U.S. government takes this opportunity to again emphasize the importance of constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  It is the responsibility of the parties to fulfill the pledge they made to Secretary Rice in Washington that they would agree on measures by the end of March to increase the efficacy of BiH national institutions, including implementation of a single Presidency, a strengthened government, and a more effective parliament.  The European Parliament, in its resolution announced February 16, emphasized the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue constitutional reform as a necessary step towards European integration, and we strongly agree with that assessment.  More efficient government institutions will also move Bosnia and Herzegovina towards its goal of membership in NATO's Partnership for Peace and, eventually, full NATO membership.  Through their actions, this country's political leaders hold the European and Euro-Atlantic future of BiH in their hands.  We strongly urge the parties to continue their discussions and provide their proposals for bridging the remaining gaps, and we will continue to remain engaged in the process in order to assist them in reaching agreement.