[JURIST] The US has welcomed [State Department statement] a weekend agreement by the eight main political parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina [official website] on changes to the country's constitution [text] at the end of negotiations that began four months ago [JURIST report]. The final outstanding issue involving procedures for presidential elections was resolved by Bosnian Muslims and Serbs accepting the request of Croats that a president and two vice-presidents be elected by both houses of parliament. The deal will now be sent before parliament for approval, which supporters hope will be approved before the October 2006 elections.

The Council of the European Union [official website] issued a statement [text] Monday similarly applauding the agreement, and encouraging Bosnia and Herzegovina lawmakers to ensure it takes effect by the October elections. DTT-NET has more [subscription required].