The next two years will be crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina as it strives to remove the obstacles that have been placed in the way of full post-war recovery and full Euro-Atlantic integration, the High Representative, Valentin Inzko, said yesterday.

Following Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the High Representative was in Washington for meetings with US officials from the State Department, National Security Council, and Office of the Vice-President.

The High Representative said he hoped that renewed political dialogue can open the way for the BiH authorities to end the deadlock of the last two years and start dealing with urgent social and economic problems. He added that as parties reach compromises and proceed with their agenda, it is critically important that they do not take steps to roll back reforms undertaken over many years to further the Peace Agreement.

The High Representative stressed that the United States and the other countries of the Peace Implementation Council still have a major role to play in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially given increased challenges to the Dayton Settlement.

Over the next two years there will be opportunities to resolve constitutional, economic and political challenges, and the PIC Steering Board can ensure that these opportunities are fully exploited for the benefit of BiH citizens by maintaining a vigorous and united approach.

The High Representative will also deliver an address at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington today, stated the OHR in the press release.

Source: FIPA