Nezavisne novine: SARAJEVO – BiH and the European Commission started yesterday negotiations on abolishment of visa regime for the citizens of BiH. This was confirmed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Nikola Špirić and the vice president of the European Commission Jacques Barrot.
“We have opened a political-expert dialogue on abolishment of visa regime for the citizens of BiH. Ideal would be that the process of abolishment of visas for our citizens is ended by 2010 or 2011, because Croatia will probably by then start application of Shengen at its borders. We hope that by then we will also have a status of a candidate for membership in the EU”, said Špirić.
He clarified that guidelines of the EC for abolishment of visa regime will be submitted to the authorities of BiH in the next two or three weeks. Špirić expects that the EC will require further reforms in the areas of security of personal documents, migrations, asylum, human rights, and introduction of biometric passports.
Jacques Barrot, in charge of matters of judiciary, human rights and security, clarified that the objective of the dialogue of BiH and the EU is to “give clear indicators” to the authorities of BiH which measures are to be undertaken in order to enable the no-visa regime for all the citizens.
“By opening a dialogue on no-visa regime, the EU proves determination for achievement of common goal, and that is free movement of BiH citizens”, Barrot declared at the beginning of the ceremony of dialogue on no-visa regime.
The European commissioner for enlargement, Olli Rehn also welcomed start of dialogue on establishment of no-visa regime for the citizens of BiH.
“I think that is especially good news for younger generations, who will through mobility have a possibility to first hand gain experiences on the EU. No-visa regime is also of a key importance for development of business, which contributes to economic development and opening of new jobs”, said Rehn.
Citizens of BiH are currently using benefits of the eased visa regime, which implies the right to visas valid for several years for some twenty categories. The right to visas valid for several years, among others, have: students, professors, scientists, business people, sports people, journalists, religious officials, persons who travel to the EU countries for medical treatment, or to visit close relatives. Agreement on eased visa regime is valid from January 1st this year.
Signing of the SAA definitely on June 16
The Stabilization and Association Agreement between BiH and the EU (SAA) will definitely be signed on June 16, confirmed Špirić.
“The European commissioner for enlargement confirmed to me that the June 16 is definitely the date of signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Today we started negotiations on abolishment of visas, we got the date of signing the agreement, which are very clear signs of European future of BiH. Now we need to overcome the internal differences and go by quickened pace toward the full membership in the EU. Today is a good day for BiH and its citizens”, Špirić said yesterday.