Minister for Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini hailed the Security Council decision today to extend the EU military mission in Bosnia Herzegovina (EUFOR-ALTHEA) by one year. The text approved confirms the need for the international community’s to continued engagement in the stabilization of the region, praises the European Union’s intention to maintain a military mission in Bosnia Herzegovina and, finally, authorizes Member States, through or in cooperation with the EU, to extend the presence of a multinational stabilization force (EUFOR) for another 12 months. “The Council’s resolution is cause for particular satisfaction”, Minister Frattini commented, “as it confirms the positive contribution to stability and security in Bosnia Herzegovina under European Union leadership and because the text was drafted by Italy as chairman this month of the “Coordination and Drafting Group”. “The presence of the EU’s multinational stabilisation force, authorised by the international community for another year”, Minister Frattini continued, “is an essential component in the EU’s overall approach in Bosnia Herzegovina in support of a political process and a reform effort that allows the country to progress toward the important goal of integration into the European Union”.