prijava
SARAJEVO, July 4 (FENA) - The Minister of Justice of the Republic of Austria, Alma Zadić, after a meeting with the Minister of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Josip Grubeša, told reporters today in Sarajevo that the Western Balkans in general, and BiH in particular, are and remain a priority for the Government of Austria, and especially for her as the Minister of Justice.
Zadić pointed out that the Western Balkans is very important in the process of enlargement of the European Union, and that it is, therefore, necessary and important that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a true and fair perspective.
"This is exactly what the Government of Austria and I stand for. I want to emphasize that it was achieved for the first time in the European Council, and it was achieved because, among others, the Government of Austria advocated for it, to say that the European Council is ready to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina the status of a candidate for the EU," stated Zadić.
She added that two weeks ago the Government of the Republic of Austria managed to achieve an essential step, that the European Council once again put a very clear focus on this region and Bosnia and Herzegovina in it. This, she says, is thanks to the efforts of the Austrian government.
According to her, BiH will receive a candidate status, but it must be emphasized that it is necessary to take steps from the Bosnia and Herzegovina side in order to achieve this, and they concern the reform of the Constitution, the rule of law, improvements in that area, and the fight against corruption.
"I want to underline that we now have a unique chance, based on what was clearly stated in the final position of the European Council. I want to appeal to take advantage of this unique opportunity, to implement reforms and to achieve a significant step forward in the form of candidate status," said Zadić.
She stated that the expected reforms are not just administrative obstacles that need to be overcome, but that they are about making life easier for people in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a sustainable way.
She said that Minister Josip Grubeša and herself signed a joint statement today, which is a pledge of what they are dedicated and committed to, which is the deepening and strengthening of cooperation between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of justice.
"We want the progress we are aiming for to be achieved and the joint statement confirms our commitment," said Minister Zadić.
At the end, she pointed out that for Austria and for her personally, it is a priority for BiH to get a true perspective of joining the EU, "not only BiH but also the whole of Western Balkans".
"This is exactly what I want to emphasize with my visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria and BiH have always been and remain closely interconnected. We will do everything to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the EU," emphasized Minister Zadić.
The BiH Minister of Justice Josip Grubeša expressed satisfaction that Minister Zadić supports BiH in all its reform efforts in fulfilling the ultimate goal, which is to one day be in the family of European countries.
He noted that what stands before Bosnia and Herzegovina is work on the 14 key priorities in order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to obtain candidate status for the EU and to start the reform process towards the European path with even greater momentum.
He expressed satisfaction that Minister Zadić came to visit BiH and that she offered a joint statement that the two ministries can cooperate, and "one day when BiH is in the EU, we will have a stronger support".
(FENA) S. R.
