Summary: Statement by EU Enlargement Commissioner Rehn on collapse of police-reform talks in Bosnia-Herzegovina (14 September 2005: Brussels)
Statement by Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, on the collapse of talks on the police reform in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH)
"I am disappointed that the National Assembly of Republika Srpska rejected the latest proposal for police reform which is in line with the required EU principles. I regret that this opportunity to reach agreement on this crucial issue has been missed.
In the light of the latest developments it is now clear that BiH will not be able to start negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union this year. I regret that the chance to celebrate ten years of peace by opening a new phase of European future has now been lost.
The European Commission has been supportive in seeking a solution which would enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward quickly in the process of European integration and begin negotiations this year. The reform of the police is the last important stumbling block for SAA negotiations to start.
On the road of European integration, all countries must adopt the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of minorities. Clearly, establishing an efficient police force is a vital element in this context.
The European Union stands ready to open SAA negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the country proves that it is ready to respect the three basic principles[1] that must be the basis for any future agreement on police reform."
[1]1) Securing the exclusive state-level competences on police, 2) the elimination of political interference from police and 3) ensuring that police regions are determined on the basis of technical and professional criteria.
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