SARAJEVO, Nov 2 (Hina) - The European Union commissioner for foreign affairs, Chris Patten, said in Sarajevo on Tuesday that countries willing to access the EU must meet the highest standards of all other member-countries. This refers
to Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as to all other countries in the region, he told reporters. Patten said that lowering criteria for anyone would undervalue the efforts invested so far in the realisation of European unity. The EU will be happy to accept Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as any other country among its members if they meet the set criteria, Patten said. He added the EU wanted to see closer cooperation among Southeast Europe countries as proof that it could advance relations with them, for example in economy. Patten reminded the EU had invested EUR1.3 billion in Bosnia-Herzegovina over the last three years, including EUR250 million for reconstruction in 1999 al
SARAJEVO, Nov 2 (Hina) - The European Union commissioner for
foreign affairs, Chris Patten, said in Sarajevo on Tuesday that
countries willing to access the EU must meet the highest standards
of all other member-countries.
This refers to Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as to all other countries
in the region, he told reporters.
Patten said that lowering criteria for anyone would undervalue the
efforts invested so far in the realisation of European unity.
The EU will be happy to accept Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as any
other country among its members if they meet the set criteria,
Patten said.
He added the EU wanted to see closer cooperation among Southeast
Europe countries as proof that it could advance relations with
them, for example in economy.
Patten reminded the EU had invested EUR1.3 billion in Bosnia-
Herzegovina over the last three years, including EUR250 million for
reconstruction in 1999 alone.
Patten pointed out however that nobody should count on unlimited
and unconditional assistance. The EU wants to see concrete results
on the ground, he said.
(hina) ha jn