MOSTAR, June 20 (Hina) - The international High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown, said on Thursday Europe was taking over from the United States the leading role in Bosnia and the Balkans.
MOSTAR, June 20 (Hina) - The international High Representative in
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown, said on Thursday Europe was
taking over from the United States the leading role in Bosnia and
the Balkans. #L#
The leading role is also a burden, so if the European Union wants to
lead in the Balkans it will have to consider bigger investments in
the region, Lord Ashdown said in the southern town of Mostar.
He is the first western official to hold a dual office in Bosnia,
that of the international community's high representative and that
of the EU representative.
Ashdown wrapped up his two-day tour of Herzegovina by visiting the
place in downtown Mostar where a famous medieval bridge was
destroyed. In Mostar he met representatives of the Apel multiethnic
association of journalists, who briefed Ashdown about their
experience as journalists in Mostar and the pressure they are
sometimes subject to.
At a news conference Ashdown called on politicians to respect the
law on the freedom of reporting and leave journalists to do their
job in peace.
In Siroki Brijeg, the High Representative held his first public
panel since assuming office in Bosnia. He also met local officials
and businessmen.
On Wednesday Ashdown visited Croat returnees to Bugojno, and met
education employees in Livno.
Ashdown's predecessors in Bosnia, Wolfgang Petritsch, Carlos
Westendorp, and Karl Bild did not use to meet Bosnian citizens
directly. Ashdown said he would meet citizens more often than
politicians.
(hina) ha sb