SARAJEVO, April 10 (Hina) - The chairman of the Bosnian Presidency, Adnan Terzic, said Thursday that Bosnia could join the European Union in 2009.
SARAJEVO, April 10 (Hina) - The chairman of the Bosnian Presidency,
Adnan Terzic, said Thursday that Bosnia could join the European
Union in 2009. #L#
In a speech at a plenary session of the Bosnian parliament's two
houses called to discuss an annual report by the European
Commission on the implementation of the Stabilisation and
Association Process, Terzic said it was evident that at this time
Bosnia did not fulfil a large number of conditions for membership of
the EU, but that such a situation would relatively soon change with
adequate reforms.
"The option of the European Commission for Bosnia to become a part
of the European Union is clear. It is realistic to determine the
year 2009 for out entry into the EU," Terzic told MPs.
He added that such a goal was too ambitious for some, but said he did
not share this scepticism.
"I convince you that this goal is achievable," he said.
During his visit to Brussels last Month, Terzic was given a
questionnaire at the European Commission headquarters with 360
questions about the current situation in the country and reforms
carried out so far.
The European Commission's decision about whether a feasibility
study would be drawn up as the next step leading towards the EU will
depend on answers to these questions.
"At this time the answers would not please the European
Commission," Terzic said. He added, however, that changes required
at this phase could be implemented by October, after which "the
green light" from Brussels would follow, regarding the drawing up
of a feasibility study.
The European Commission's Ambassador to Bosnia, Michael Humpreys,
also urged MPs to endorse reforms which would lead to drawing the
country closer to the EU.
Bosnia's gates towards the EU are open, but you must know that on
that path there are no shortcuts, said the Irish diplomat.
He stressed that the strengthening of regional cooperation, peace
and stability in Southeast Europe, with internal structural
reforms, would be key elements on which access to the EU would
depend.
(hina) lml