Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina with NATO Secretary-General, Jaap DE HOOP SCHEFFER

Brussels, 14 July 2004 S0193/04 PRESS INFORMATION

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina with NATO Secretary-General, Jaap DE HOOP SCHEFFER

15 July 2004

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Jaap DE HOOP SCHEFFER, Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on Thursday, 15 July 2004 .

The visit takes place after the adoption (12 July) by the EU of a Joint Action establishing a Military Operation in BiH, code-named ALTHEA, under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The operation will be launched by the end of the year and follows the decision by NATO to conclude its successful SFOR operation, and the adoption of Resolution 1551 by the UN Security Council welcoming the EU's intention to launch a mission in BiH, including a military component.

The visit to Sarajevo will provide the opportunity for talks with BiH Presidency and Council of Ministers. Meetings will also be held with representatives of the International Community, including High Representative/EU Special Representative Paddy ASHDOWN and Major General Virgil PACKETT II, Commander of the Stabilisation Force (COMSFOR).

The two leaders will visit the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) Headquarters, headed by Police Commissioner Kevin CARTY and the local office of the European Union Monitoring Mission in the former Yugoslavia (EUMM), headed by Maryse DAVIET.

They will also address SFOR troops and a group of invited diplomats at SFOR's Butmir Camp (media not invited ). ° ° °

11.20 Photo Opportunity at Sarajevo Airport (media to be at "Terminal B" by 10.00 )

13.15 "Door stepper" at the end of meeting with BiH Presidency (Presidency Building)

14.00 "Door stepper" at the end of meeting with BiH Council of Ministers (Joint Institutions Building)

14.30-15.10 JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE (Javier Solana and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer)

15.25-16.10 Visit to EUPM Headquarters and EUMM office (Full Media Coverage). ______

FOR FURTHER DETAILS: 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: [email protected]