PM Sanader has mentioned on several occasions the need for the international community to contribute to Bosnia's integration with Euro-Atlantic associations, which he believes is what his proposal is aimed at.
The state secretary for political affairs at the Croatian Foreign Ministry, Hido Biscevic, explained Sanader's initiative today, noting that the conference itself was of secondary importance.
"What is of primary importance is to direct attention on time to the future political development of Bosnia-Herzegovina and create necessary external conditions for an emancipated political discussion among the country's three peoples on a lasting structure of Bosnia-Herzegovina as a country of equal peoples and a complete European democratic system," Biscevic said.
He added that Croatia was aware of important global and regional issues that were top priorities on the agenda of international diplomats, from the Middle East to Kosovo, but warned that Bosnia could not be left aside.
Biscevic urged taking into account the fact that the international community would not be able to remain constantly present in Bosnia-Herzegovina, "the more so as prolonging international presence and shifting responsibility for development to the international community leads to Bosnian citizens giving up responsibility for the democratic development of their country".
"In that regard, we believe that it is extremely important for Bosnia-Herzegovina to complete talks on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU and join NATO's Partnership for Peace as soon as possible. Stronger Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia-Herzegovina is the best guarantee of fair and democratic organisation of the country's political and administrative system in the interests of all three peoples and a contribution to stability and cooperation in Southeast Europe," Biscevic said.