SARAJEVO, July 10 (FENA) – British Ambassador to BiH, Matthew Rycroft stated on Thursday at his farewell press conference that during his three and a half years’ mandate many positive things happened, especially in relations to EU integrations, which was the focus of his mandate.
He reminded that negotiations on the SAA with EU started during British residing of EU and the first year of his mandate in BiH.
â€Now, that the SAA is signed, political leaders can continue with next steps: its implementation and preparations for the EU candidate statusâ€, stated Rycroft.
Road towards NATO is also very important and it is going in the right direction. The key here is also implementation of all agreed reforms, including the property one.
He added that there is no possibility for RS secession from BiH.
â€It was never a state, it is not a state and it never will be. It began its existence as part of BiH and this existence is confirmed by the Daytonâ€, stated Rycroft.
British Ambassador believes constitutional reform must be completed before BiH becomes EU member. Rycroft added that he does not see erasing of entities or cantons as constitutional reform but it must be strengthening of BiH institutions necessary for accession to EU.
He leaves BiH on Sunday and on Monday he will take over a new duty as director for EU in the British Foreign Office. Friday will be his last day at work and he will spend it in Srebrenica, on commemoration of 13th anniversary of the genocide. He will be succeeded by Michael Tatham, who will take over the duty at the end of September. Until then, acting ambassador will be his deputy, Victoria Harrison.
(Fena) bdz