During the meeting, which was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere, the High Representative informed the U.S. Secretary of State about the recent progress made in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the three strategic priorities – refugee return, economic recovery and institution-building -, which he is pursuing. The two officials also discussed the events in Macedonia and the overall regional situation. They agreed that last year’s democratic changes in Croatia and Yugoslavia had a positive impact on peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

U.S. Secretary Powell expressed his full support of the High Representative’s work and his appreciation of the High Representative’s personal commitment to the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He congratulated the High Representative on the swift and decisive action he took against attempts to undermine the constitutional order of BiH, by removing Mr. Ante Jelavic and three other former HDZ officials from their public and party positions.

U.S. Secretary Powell welcomed the positive achievements in refugee return last year, emphasizing the importance that all refugees and displaced persons are enabled to go back home if they wish so. He encouraged the High Representative to continue to push for this goal.

Mr. Powell also expressed his support for the proposal by the European Union that the High Representative review current international civil implementation structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to maximize co-ordination and efficiency.

The Secretary of State reassured the High Representative that the U.S. would not undertake any unilateral moves with regard to a possible decrease in U.S. engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following his meeting with Secretary Powell, the High Representative held a long meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Dobbins during which they discussed all the issues in detail. Mr. Dobbins re-iterated the U.S. support for the removal of Mr. Jelavic and the three other former HDZ officials and for a restructuring of the international presence in BiH under proposals to be made by the High Representative.

Later today, the High Representative is scheduled to meet with senior officials from the Pentagon and the National Security Council.