About the structure of the police you have to agree by yourselves!
After the meeting with the officials of Bosnian-Podrinje canton Gorazde where it was discussed about the economic situation in this canton and reform of police forces in BiH, High Representative of the International community to BiH Paddy Ashdown said that he was glad that things were getting better in this part of BiH where the economic situation was one of the most difficult in the country.
Ashdown said that he would see if there was any progress in the agreements a week later, stressing that the structuring of the police in BiH has to be agreed among participants themselves. The only thing the International community is interested in is to see if the result will be in accordance with three European principles. It means that Vlasic process stays the unchanged base from which we move on. This way we comply with the first European principle that the strategic authority over the police is only at the state level. We also have to comply with the second principal, which is that the police regions are not to be established in accordance with the political lines, such as inter-entity line, but lines that are the best for efficient work of the police. It means that, where necessary, police areas will cross entity line, which is the case with area Foca-Gorazde.
He also said that the time was running out and that the agreement had to be reached by 15 September. If this succeeds, this country will make a historical move towards the European Union and if not, the door will be closed and Bosnia will be way behind other Balkan countries that are making progress. It would be a disaster for this country. There would not be new investments, great involvement of the international community would continue and the only safe prospects of this country would be jeopardized. Ashdown said that he was not convinced, but mildly optimistic.
After the meeting with the officials of Bosnian-Podrinje canton Gorazde Ashdown went on private visit to Zepa.