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I join others in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council, and thank him for the reports, his briefing and reassure him of our support. Let me also take the opportunity to welcome the new Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Miloš Vukašinovič.  Lithuania aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. Mr. President, Our meeting today takes place at the important moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide reminded us of the need for continued reconciliation efforts in the region. 20 years ago the Dayton Peace accord brought peace to the war-torn region. The international community through its engagement contributed to the security, stability and realisation of the vision of a prosperous, multi-ethnic country which the Peace Agreement had outlined.

Through its positive agenda and a membership perspective the EU has provided an incentive for much needed reforms for the countries of the region. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s choice of Euro-Atlantic integration has been confirmed on numerous occasions and should not be questioned by anyone.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has applied and remains an aspirant for the NATO Membership Plan. In this context, we welcome the progress noted in the Report of the High Representative in registration of the defence property of Bosnia and Herzegovina and look forward to remaining steps which would enable activation of  NATO Membership Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Important steps have been taken towards realizing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective during the last year. The country’s authorities reiterated their commitment to the European Integration as a strategic goal. Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU has entered into force. A comprehensive reform agenda adopted at the state and entity level in July offers a framework for addressing the most pressing social and economic challenges.

A crucial moment has come for all the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to live up to their responsibility before the country’s citizens and to embark on the implementation of this comprehensive agenda, with an aim to improve social and economic situation, strengthen the rule of law, and enhance administrative capacities so that this agenda translates into real benefits, jobs and opportunities for the nation. A properly functioning EU coordination mechanism is of vital importance.      

Mr. President,

At this important juncture, when united efforts are especially needed to advance the reform agenda, we are seriously concerned about the divisive rhetoric that threatens the future course of the country. We are also alarmed by the intention of the authorities of the Republika Srpska to hold an entity-level referendum on state-level judiciary in Republika Srpska.

It is particularly disturbing that such divisive rhetoric is used to pursue political objectives that run counter to the letter and the spirit of the Peace Agreement and threaten the very sovereignty and unity of the country, as noted in the Special Report by the High Representative. It also runs counter to the commitment undertaken by all the political leaders towards progress, as such actions distract attention from the need improve social and economic situation, and accelerate the reconciliation process.

It may seriously harm the country’s efforts to improve the life of its citizens as well as its further progress on the EU accession path. The EU membership perspective has been extended to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a united country. We reiterate our commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country –  a country with a European future.

We believe that the shortcomings of Bosnia and Herzegovina judicial system should be addressed through constructive dialogue. The EU has engaged in that regard through the Structured Dialogue on Justice.

We call on all the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to cooperate with the Office of the High Representative with an aim of fulfilling the remaining conditions necessary for the closure of the Office. We also call upon all the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as well as the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

Mr. President,

Throughout all these years the international community and this Council have stood faithfully with Bosnia and Herzegovina and have invested a lot in creating security and stability in the region. We fully support the continued presence of EUFOR with an executive military role to underpin Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment. We welcome the renewal of the EUFOR Althea mandate by the Council today.

Both the words and the actions of this Council are being followed closely in the countries of the region. At this important juncture for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this Council should be united in condemning actions that threaten the Peace Accords. It should support the OHR. It should stand firmly behind Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country and in support of its Euro-Atlantic integration.

We reiterate our firm support for the Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina and call on all the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to unite for the realisation of the vision of a prosperous, multi-ethic and united country.   

I thank you.