News

Mister President, I would like to warmly welcome Dr. Valentin Inzko, the High Representative for Bosnia and Hercegovina, to the Security Council and to thank him for his report. We welcome the adoption of the draft resolution which was tabled by the Lithuanian delegation, acting in its capacity as a rotating Chair of the Contact and Drafting Group, extending the mandate of EUFOR/ALTHEA for a period of 12 months. We thank all the delegations concerned for their cooperation on this draft resolution. We also express our appreciation to the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the insights and frankness of exchanges during the drafting period. Its message to us on their country’s EU perspective could not have been more clear. It is their firm choice, and has been so for years, supported by all political forces and groups within the country- and should be respected by all. The resolution that the Council adopted today reflects this choice and is an important signal of the international community’s support to the European perspective for, and broad engagement with, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mister President,

Lithuania shares the findings of the most recent report of the High Representative. Euro-Atlantic integration provides the framework and incentive for reform. Inclusive and wide-ranging reforms are needed to achieve tangible progress in moving forward towards this goal. We note that some of the recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a great potential to generate a new momentum in the country.

On 12 October Bosnia and Herzegovina held its seventh general elections, which were conducted in an orderly manner and in a competitive environment. We remain concerned that the recent elections have seen manifestations of interethnic divide in the country. We urge the elected leaders of all the ethnic groups of Bosnia and Herzegovina to fundamentally change the way politics is conducted, to reach out to the people, and to chart, in close cooperation with the civil society, a path towards irreversible progress.

Swift government formation at all levels is crucial since what citizens need the most are properly functioning institutions capable of responding promptly and in a comprehensive manner to their legitimate needs and concerns. Implementing legislation and initiatives on strengthening the rule of law, combatting corruption, and financial accountability are matters of immediate priority.

At the same time we note that the mass protests that took place at the beginning of the year, and the readiness of the local communities to work together and assist their neighbours in need after the severe flooding in May, signal that beyond the divisive rhetoric which still occurs on the political level, there is a real interest in this multi-ethnic society to mobilize and seek common solutions for the country’s future.

We appreciate the solidarity shown by many countries and international organizations and their respective contributions in response to the floods that devastated Bosnia and Herzegovina and in ongoing reconstruction efforts. Continued commitment by the international community is essential so that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not left alone to deal with the consequences of that natural disaster.

The EU remains actively engaged in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its reform process and efforts to foster positive changes that are a prerequisite for strengthening stability in the country. In July the EU presented the “Compact for Growth” – a package of ready-to-go economic and social reforms that, according to experts, are needed to overhaul the country’s economic and social base. As an immediate action, it is aimed to tackle the country’s unemployment level, improve economic governance, and create a better business environment.

Mr. President,

The Dayton Peace Agreement was a necessary tool to end the worst war in Europe since the end of World War II. Collective political will and putting the country’s interests first is now needed to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress towards the shared vision of a united, stable and prosperous country, cooperating peacefully with its neighbours and moving towards the membership of the European Union.

In that regard we share the concerns of the High Representative regarding the destabilizing effects of the various secessionist statements from a number of Republika Srpska officials which persist in challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well about obstructive actions at state level institutions which impede Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to meet its international obligations.

We are convinced with the political will and collective determination, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to pick up speed on its reform track. The EU’s “Compact for growth” is an opportunity not to be missed so that the country can regain its upward trajectory in the nearest future.