Roundup: BiH's new state gov't chairman pledges reforms

Euro-Atlantic integration and fighting against corruption will be priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Denis Zvizdic, the newly-elected chairman of its Council of Ministers, said Wednesday.

Zvizdic, who was officially appointed by the BiH parliament earlier in the day, promised to usher in changes, reforms and economic development.

"BiH should study socio-economic issues, radical reforms and new approaches to make progress in the path of Euro-Atlantic integration," he told the parliament.

"I will talk with everyone and accept constructive criticism. The goal of the future Council of Ministers won't be success for an individual, but for all," he continued.

"BiH is our homeland, which has large natural resources and space in which to live with each other, not to fight each other. BiH should be the state of capable and effective institutions," he added.

Zvizdic explained that it is important to make efforts to overcome the deadlock on BiH's path to Euro-Atlantic integration, which involves the formation of an effective coordination mechanism and important reforms.

He noted every party should sign and accept the Written Commitment of the Presidency of BiH, which calls for speeding up process of the Euro-Atlantic integration.

He pledged deep reforms, a better economy and more security for BiH.

It is necessary to help small and medium enterprises, develop the energy sector and tourism, and protect environment, said Zvizdic.

Zvizdic serves as the head of state government in name, but with much-reduced authority compared with similar positions of other countries. Endit