(ANSA) - SARAJEVO - Bosnia and Herzegovina's need for reforms which are necessary to speed up the country's EU integration was highlighted by Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini, who was on a visit to Sarajevo in recent days, the first stage of her journey through the Western Balkans. In a interview with the daily newspaper Oslobodjenie, Mogherini said that Brussels awaits signals from the Bosnian leadership. ''Opening the Italian Presidency of the EU with a visit to the Balkans - Italy's foreign minister said - is a clear choice, that proves Italy's strong commitment to EU integration in this region''.

''EU enlargement to Western Balkans is an investment in terms of development, democracy, security not only for this region, but for the whole of Europe''. According to Mogherini, ''Bosnia must narrow the gap'' in terms of closer integration with Europe, and therefore Brussels is awaiting signals. ''The Eu's support is not under question, but the Bosnian leadership must now do their part. On the base of the electoral mandate that will be given by the elections next October, we expect the new government to draw up a detailed programme of structural reforms, designed to restore the economy, in response to social problems, which were highlighted by the protests in the streets last February''.

The aid received after the recent floods is not enough to promote development. ''A change must also come from within the country'', Mogherini said. (ANSA).