PRESS RELEASE

(Unofficial Translation)

We welcome that the general elections of 3 October 2010 in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were conducted in conformity with the international norms and in a peaceful and orderly manner. We congratulate the people of BiH for the democratic maturity they have displayed during the elections.

These elections mark a new era for BiH. The expectation of the people of BiH, as well as of the international community in this new period is that BiH rapidly and resolutely implement the necessary reforms in line with the European and Euro-Atlantic integration objective.

We expect from all the victorious political leaders of the elections, irrespective of their ethnic affiliations, to unite around this objective and exert their utmost efforts in order for BiH to attain its deserved honorable place in the European family. In this regard, BiH leaders bear a historical responsibility in the post-election period. This responsibility requires setting forth holistic and dynamic policies while striving to make best use of the richness emanating from the multiethnic and multicultural social structure of the country.

In this context, we hope that the formation of the new government in BiH will be concluded without delay. Turkey, in solidarity with all the ethnic groups in BiH and in close cooperation with the international community, will continue to give every support for BiH’s success.