Commissioner Patten to visit Sarajevo and Mostar

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Chris Patten, Commissioner for External Relations, will be visiting Sarajevo on 22nd July, before travelling to Mostar on 23rd July for the opening of the "Old Bridge". During the visit he will meet the High Representative, Lord Ashdown, Prime Minister Adnan Terzić, Foreign Minister Mladen Ivanić, Minister of Security Bariša Čolak and the Director for European Integration Osman Topčagić. This will be an opportunity to discuss progress by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in implementing reforms necessary for the European Commission to recommend opening of the negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Commissioner Patten will attend the first meeting of the Police Restructuring Commission and visit the new State Information Protection Agency, reflecting the European Commission's provision of over €10 million for Police reform in BiH.

On the eve of the visit Commissioner Patten said: "Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved significant progress since the beginning of this year and I will encourage the government to do its utmost to fulfil the outstanding steps outlined in the Commission's Feasibility Study. This country's path to Europe is set, but the pace can only be determined by the BiH authorities. If the current Commission is to recommend moving onto the next stage, Bosnia and Herzegovina must prove to us that it is able to implement reforms and fulfil its international obligations such as arresting indicted war criminals."

During the visit the Commissioner will stress that strengthening the rule of law is one of the priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina. With significant international input and support, BiH has begun to address weaknesses in the area of justice and home affairs. The European Union (EU) is prepared both to assist financially and to provide expertise through the EU Police Mission and a variety of projects helping the reform of the police forces and the judiciary.

On the second day of his visit the Commissioner will participate in the official opening of the reconstructed "Old Bridge" in Mostar. This bridge is the symbol of the city of Mostar and the opening ceremony coincides with the 10th anniversary of the start of the European Union reconstruction of Mostar. The Commissioner will, together with the High Representative Lord Ashdown, hold an open discussion with students from both Mostar universities. He will meet returnees to the former frontline which used to divide the town, largely rebuilt by the EU and visit the Youth Centre "Centar za kulturu" reconstructed by the European Union.

For further information see:

The EU's relations with South Eastern Europe (Western Balkans) - Bosnia & Herzegovina, the European contribution:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/see/bosnie_herze/index.htm

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• Commissioner Patten's Speech on the re-opening of the Stari Most Bridge (23/7/2004)