We appreciate hearing from Ambassador Klein about the work of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His work on police and judicial matters are critical to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ambassador Klein's proactive approach on these issues has given renewed energy to the UN's efforts there.

We share Ambassador Klein's commitment to uncovering corruption within the police ranks through audits and intensive investigations, seeking broader representation of minorities, and strictly monitoring police for human rights performance. The U.S. will continue to provide training, technical assistance and other resources that support police development in Bosnia and we urge others to do the same.

Coordination and cooperation between the UN and the OSCE is vital to achievement of our shared objectives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We look forward to working with Ambassador Klein and his mission in the coming years to ensure that our efforts remain complementary as our responsibilities in the situation evolve.

We agree the next year in particular will be crucial for determining the progress Bosnia and Herzegovina makes in forging a democratic and prosperous future for itself.

We welcome the increase in spontaneous minority refugee returns to Bosnia in 1999, particularly to areas in the eastern Republika Srpska. However, Political and bureaucratic obstructionism remains, notably in Mostar and Banja Luka municipalities. Decisive progress on property law implementation and evictions will be critical to maintaining the momentum we have started.

We share Ambassador Klein's hope that the Stability Pact will help provide Southeastern Europe, including Bosnia-Herzegovina, a foundation for full integration into the European family of nations. We believe the OSCE can make a valuable contribution to this effort.

In closing, we support Ambassador Klein's interest in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina move into European institutions such as the COE.

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina should understand that acquiring membership in European institutions will require it meet minimum and very reasonable standards established by the international community—standards that have been applied to others.

Far from relying on the parties in BiH to meet these standards alone—since we have seen how difficult it is for the parties to agree on very basic legislation in many cases—there should be constant and unyielding engagement and technical assistance to help them meet criteria, whether that be criteria set by the COE, the WTO, the EU, or by NATO for membership in the Partnership for Peace.