SWEDISH FM BILDT WANTS BOSNIA TO BE AN EU

C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000270 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/30/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV BK EU SW SUBJECT: SWEDISH FM BILDT WANTS BOSNIA TO BE AN EU PRESIDENCY "SUCCESS STORY" Classified By: DCM Robert Silverman for reasons 1.4 (B) & (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: On April 28, poloff discussed FM Bildt's visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with BiH Desk Officer Dinka Jasarevic. FM Bildt visited Sarajevo on April 8-9 for both bilateral talks and Presidency Trio discussions with BiH officials. Bildt's main goal for his visit to Sarajevo was to "wake up" the political leadership to the financial problems they face and use EU pressure to urge political consensus at the highest levels, paving the way forward for eventual EU accession. Bildt strongly supports the replacement of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) with the EUSR (EU Special Representative) as soon as possible. End Summary. Replace OHR with EUSR -------------- ¶2. (C) Bildt is convinced that the EUSR must replace the OHR as soon as possible. BiH leadership is "hiding behind" the OHR and therefore has not taken responsibility for political reforms, said Jasarevic. Bildt, she added, believes the Commission and Council are dismayed with the lack of domestic leadership and do not view BiH as anywhere near ready for EU membership. The EU should have an "all-encompassing dialogue" with Turkey and the U.S. over BiH. Bildt views Turkey as a major actor and its involvement and commitment to reforms have heretofore been positive, although Jasarevic said Sweden is more optimistic than Turkey about BiH's security situation. EUSR as the Voice -------------- ¶3. (C) Bildt envisions the EUSR as the main international voice for dealing with BiH. It would not replace bilateral relationships, but would focus and strengthen the efforts of the international community. Sweden values the role of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) and wants to create a similar body for the EUSR. BiH Accession to the EU -------------- ¶4. (C) During his trip to Sarajevo, Bildt told the local press that BiH was not yet ready for EU membership. However, Bildt believes that with positive influence of the EUSR, BiH officials could set into motion the last requirements of the EU Partnership Priorities and get BiH onto the road towards EU accession. According to Jasarevic, Bildt wants to makes BiH a "success story" that the Swedes can take credit for during their EU Presidency in the latter half of 2009. SILVERMAN