The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the EUFOR force in Bosnia and Herzegovina paving the way for UN blue helmets to remain in the region.
Last week, Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, told the UN Security Council:
“While there was substantial progress in the first 11 years after the war, in the last four years, there has been stagnation and time has been largely wasted. The fundamentals of the country and its institutions, including the constitutional framework, have been challenged on a regular basis.”
Operation Althea and NATO HQ Sarajevo will continue in its stabilization mission for another twelve months.
COMEUFOR, Major General Bernhard Bair, said:
“We will continue to work closely with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure a safe environment for the peoples of the country.”
Following the peaceful conduct of the recent General Election EUFOR has undertaken a reduction in forces with approx 1,600 troops from 27 EU and non-EU nations now stationed in the country.