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Statement delivered by Ms. Rita Kazragienė, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to the United Nations May 15, 2014 Mister President, We warmly welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the Security Council, thank him for the report and reiterate our support. Lithuania associates itself with the statement to be made by the European Union. Almost 20 years ago the Dayton agreement ended the three and a half-year long Bosnian War. At the time we had a vision of united, stable, prosperous, multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today Bosnia and Herzegovina is lagging behind its neighbours and other countries of the region. The political will of the leaders of the country to find consensus on impelling issues is crucial. Sound political will is already displayed in the region, such as the recent Croatia’s accession to the European Union and the on-going Belgrade-Priština dialogue stipulating progressive steps of Serbia and Kosovo towards the European Union. We commend neighbouring countries for their political support to Bosnia and Herzegovina and readiness to enhance regional cooperation, including and most importantly economic.

In April the European Union sent a strong message to the political elites of Bosnia and Herzegovina calling for their collective responsibility. The EU also reassured of its engagement and support. Broadening of the EU agenda clearly indicates that the European Union does not intend to retreat or reduce its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the future of the country is in the hands of its people and its political leaders. As Jordan, Lithuania has not heard of the universal human value of ethnicity either.

We commend a decision of the BiH Central Election Commission to announce general elections in October. We invite citizens of the country to actively participate in the elections and to choose their leadership that will take responsibility to lay a path for irreversible progress in the country. There should be no place for disrespectful and divisive rhetoric including throughout the electoral campaign.

We are concerned about the rise in statements from a number of Republika Srpska officials challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as stated in the report under the discussion today. Lithuania reaffirms its commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country.  

Secondly, much remains to be done to foster economic development in Bosnia and Hercegovina, as the country has the highest rate of youth unemployment (59%), lowest rate of economic activity, highest social assistance and lowest foreign direct investment per capita in the region. The socio-economic protests which started in February are a reflection of this frustration. Lack of economic growth remains detrimental in restoring confidence between political leaders and the society. Without rule of law, good governance and anti-corruption measures, the economic growth will be inconclusive and stagnate further. We urge competent authorities to launch reforms, strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework.

Thirdly, there is an urgency to create a functioning state structure that would enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to be a credible partner. The Dayton peace agreement was a necessary tool to end the worst war in Europe since the World War II. The fact that the country has proven capable to project its future in a safe and secure environment is a major achievement of the people ofBosnia and Herzegovina. International community with its substantial political and financial commitment has played an important role in supporting reforms in the country. The achievements should be sustained and build upon. Again, all responsibility lies with the political leaders of the country.

Mister President,

I wish to recall United Nations Security Council Resolution 2123 that called upon Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric and make further concrete and tangible progress towards EU integration, including implementation of the European Court of Human Rights ruling in the Sejdic/Finci case. We support the OHR in fostering initiatives for more inclusive dialogue among all ethnical communities, including at local level.

We believe that the new leadership will be committed to translate the legitimate concerns of the Bosnia and Herzegovinian people into legislative and fully implemented initiatives, to launch structural and institutional reforms, including strengthening the rule of law, anticorruption and financial accountability measures, and protecting human rights.

It is important that international community remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interests of state – not individuals - must prevail in decision making process that would lead the country to the political stability and economic welfare.

Finally, we reiterate that as long as authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina fail to implement the outstanding requirements necessary for the closure of the Office of High Representative, the Office has an important role to play. Lithuania also stands ready to engage – together with the regional and international partners – in discussions on recalibrating the approach towards the future mandate of the Office.

I thank you.