To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the decision by Miroslav Lajcak, High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina, to step down from that post; and if he will make a statement. (253958)

The international community will need now to find a credible successor to Miroslav Lajcak who can continue to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in moving away from ethnic divisions towards a better future for all its citizens.

A decision on this appointment is expected later this month.

Eventual closure of the Office of the High Representative will remain dependent on the fulfilment of the conditions set by the Peace Implementation Council, namely the so-called five objectives and two conditions. The Peace Implementation Council will meet again on 25-26 March 2009 to consider progress against those conditions.