S0337/04

Javier Solana,
European Union High Representative
for the Common Foreign and Security Policy

Launch of the EU "ALTHEA" operation

in Bosnia and Herzegovina"

Sarajevo, 2nd December 2004

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FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Cristina Gallach - Spokesperson of the Secretary General, High Representative for CFSP

+32 (0)2 285 6467 / 8239 / 6217 / 5150 / 5151  +32 (0)2 285 5694
internet: http://ue.eu.int/solana
e-mail: presse.cabinet@consilium.eu.int
Mr President, Excellencies, Generals, Ladies and Gentlemen

Nine years ago almost today IFOR deployed its first contingent to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order
to implement the Dayton agreement. A day difficult to forget for the people of BiH and for me. All
that is history.

Today, without forgetting the lessons of the past, we gather here to look to the future. A future for
BiH that is in Europe, in its values, in its progress, in its stability, in its prosperity. After the
successful NATO mission, the deployment of EUFOR today signifies this commitment of Europe to
these goals.

The last ten years have seen achievements in all fronts, thanks to the people of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Thanks to the many soldiers from NATO's nations and partners under IFOR and
SFOR who created the security conditions for the progress to take place. Thanks to all international
civilians dedicated to this country.

Today the EU assumes a new responsibility and commitment: here with the same spirit of
generosity and efficiency as its predecessor from NATO.

EUFOR will mesh with the EU's substantial engagement in so many areas: a formidable economic
commitment, a Police mission deployed, a solid political relationship.

All this is part of the journey to the only possible direction: the EU institutions.

It will not be without effort. And you know it. But it will become true.

With the deployment of troops from more than 30 countries you continue feeling the solidarity of so
many towards you.

This should be a stimulus for your serious response. We expect from the leaders a dedicated
commitment to strengthen your institutions, your democracy, your economy in a responsible
manner.

The people of Bosnia deserve no less.

In each of the these challenges ahead you will always find the support of the EU and NATO.

Today, using the most expressive military terms repeated so many times in this HQ, let me say: "the
mission continues, until its achievement".
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