SARAJEVO, Feb 13 (Hina) - The fulfilment of obligations set by the Dayton Agreement will be the basic criterion for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and FR Yugoslavia getting closer to European associations, EU commissioner for relations
with central and eastern European countries, Hans van den Broek said. In an interview run by Sarajevo's weekly "Slobodna Bosna" on Saturday, van den Broek said Sarajevo, Zagreb and Belgrade had already been sent clear messages that the EU's approach towards them would depend on the full implementation of every article in Dayton. This is a precondition for the start of talks about their getting closer to European structures, he said. He explained the obligations primarily relate to the respect of human rights, rule of law, respect of the rights of minorities and freedom of the media and development of cooperation with neighbouring countries which is of key importance for stabil
SARAJEVO, Feb 13 (Hina) - The fulfilment of obligations set by the
Dayton Agreement will be the basic criterion for Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Croatia and FR Yugoslavia getting closer to European
associations, EU commissioner for relations with central and
eastern European countries, Hans van den Broek said.
In an interview run by Sarajevo's weekly "Slobodna Bosna" on
Saturday, van den Broek said Sarajevo, Zagreb and Belgrade had
already been sent clear messages that the EU's approach towards
them would depend on the full implementation of every article in
Dayton.
This is a precondition for the start of talks about their getting
closer to European structures, he said.
He explained the obligations primarily relate to the respect of
human rights, rule of law, respect of the rights of minorities and
freedom of the media and development of cooperation with
neighbouring countries which is of key importance for stability in
the region.
He stressed all three countries had problems in every one of these
areas.
We will apply equal standards for everybody, but this does not mean
every country is in equal situations, he said answering the
question whether Bosnia-Herzegovina could approach the EU by
skipping the queue, considering the specific treatment it is
receiving from the international community.
Commenting on the EU's approach towards Croatia, van den Broek said
he wished to believe that democratic development in Croatia would
go in the way of its approaching closer to European associations.
He stressed the EU assessed the situation in Croatia through its
regional approach, but that it was being discussed whether
different parameters should be applied, as well as whether further
methods of pressure were necessary.
Van den Broek said a new regional report could be expected in
April.
He recalled that reports from October and November of last year
showed that key conditions set by the Dayton Agreement had not been
fulfilled.
In the case of Croatia the problems concern the return of refugees,
legislature and freedom of the media.
(hina) lml