He was speaking to the press after meeting Prime Minister Adnan Terzic, whom he briefed on the preparations in Brussels for launching the negotiations with Sarajevo. He added the negotiations might be completed within five months.
During this time the authorities in Sarajevo are expected to continue with reforms so that the outcome of the negotiations could be positive.
Barbaso said the EC primarily expected the continuation of police reform, the implementation of laws on public radio and television, a reform of public administration, a stronger fight against corruption, and full cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague.
Terzic voiced confidence the negotiations on stabilisation and association would be successfully completed by the end of his government's term next autumn.