YouSaid · the spoken record

Jadranko Prlić

lines on the record: 74
first: 1997-09-24
most recent: 2000-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, must gather the courage and strength to face our reality and to choose the path and the direction that would lead us speedily towards the achievements that would compensate for the decade of suffering, deprivation and missed opportunities. In the process of making this clear and rational choice, we would like to count on the unreserved support of the international community, and on a rather sooner than later integration into Euro- Atlantic institutions. We have to say that this integration is already very much behind schedule and we do not have a lot of time to waste.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“However, regrettably, there is still no improvement in relations with the FRY and, at this point, it is still uncertain when the improvement might occur. For sure, without democratic changes in Serbia, the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the FRY could hardly occur. The democratic changes in the FRY certainly would positively reflect on the internal relations between the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as on overall relations in the region. The democratic changes in the Bosnia and Herzegovina neighbourhood have certainly cut off the influx of exported elements of destabilization and crisis. I have already referred to the positive example of changes in Croatia.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At this point in time, the waiting lists and admission procedures could be counterproductive and could encourage those forces in the region, including in my own country, to persist in continuing the state of chaos and exclusion. At the beginning of this year, the situation in the neighouring Republic of Croatia has been significantly improved by the opposition victory in the elections. A number of issues that burdened the relations between the two countries have practically been resolved, since some of the issues were tackled in the bilateral meetings at the highest levels immediately after the elections. The change brought about by the elections also positively influenced the return of refugees, although more visible results in this area are still to come.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“There is no doubt whatsoever that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) should participate in the Stability Pact, but we share the views of those who condition its participation on the necessary democratic changes in that country. At the same time, we consider that the other countries of the region should not be kept hostage by the FRY on their way to Euro-Atlantic integration. In this context, we would like to recall that, at the early stages of the establishment of the European Union, there was no waiting list for the present members of the Union and that they did not have to pass the entering examination successfully and simultaneously.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Stability Pact for south-eastern Europe has therefore been accepted as a framework conducive to regional cooperation, elimination of mistrust, strengthening of security conditions and for catching up with missed opportunities in the spheres of human rights and democratic emancipation and economic progress. Bosnia and Herzegovina wholeheartedly embraces the Stability Pact as the most important regional endeavour so far, convinced that, despite the slow realization of a number of projects and despite the slower inflow of contributions, its objectives are fully consistent with the objectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina's foreign policy. The achievement of these objectives would embark us on the road to faster integration into the Council of Europe, the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In the course of preparing for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, we will request that government bodies, courts, the police force, schools and universities, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions and their leaders and distinguished individuals from different spheres of life, challenge those who still advocate and practise different forms of discrimination and intolerance and step on human rights, freedoms and human dignity. We, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are aware that healing the consequences of war and post-war stagnation and removal of impediments to faster stabilization and progress rests primarily with the domestic political leadership. We are also aware that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in its integration into European and other institutions.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Through the establishment of multi-ethnic police comprising uncompromised professionals, training and education of young policemen in police academies, composition of police forces that reflect the demographic picture of the local population, the space for abuses is thereby narrowed, and an environment favourable to arbitrary behaviour and unpunished harassment and oppression of citizens belonging to so called minority nations is eliminated. It is my pleasure to inform the Assembly that significant efforts are being made in the promotion and 30 protection of human rights and civil freedoms in Bosnia and Herzegovina in all fields.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Also, as a related activity, the first steps in organizing the battle against corruption have been taken. The decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the constituency of all the three nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will have far- reaching consequences for overall developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision should reduce the unique ethnic and religious apartheid and disenfranchisement of citizens belonging to the so- called minority nations. Among the achievements that encourage and have a positive impact on the change of the overall climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be mentioned those made in the area of the judicial system. Those achievements are reflected in the professionalization of judges and prosecutors and in their modernization.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the members of the Security Council for inviting the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to New York last November on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement. That visit resulted in the adoption of the New York Declaration. Implementation of the provisions of the Declaration brought about major achievements: the establishment of the State Border Service, the formation of the Secretariat of the Presidency and improvements that facilitated the functioning of this joint institution, the reconstruction and enlargement of the Council of Ministers, and the creation of conditions conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Returns were also significantly increased because indicted war criminals were more successfully brought to justice and because of a more independent, more reasonable and more constructive engagement on the part of the media. Still, the role of the international community in achieving all that has been mentioned in particular the role of the High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Stabilization Force, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is irreplaceable.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“However, the number of returns is considered to be even larger, since not all returns have been registered or have not been fully completed as yet. The other positive development noticed in the returns is the fact that among the returnees there are more and more young people and families with school-age children, which was not the case in the past, when only so-called elderly households returned to their homes. This progress, of course, may be the result of improved security conditions, freedom of movement, somewhat better infrastructure or offering assistance with the repairing of houses or apartments; but, above all, this progress is the result of a growing awareness on the part of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that it is savage, illegal and inhuman to deprive people of their sacred rights to home, life and security.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In many areas throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past 12 months progress has been made. This is encouraging and indicative of the fact that in many fields of life things could advance faster and more successfully along the road towards desired and needed progress. The return of refugees and internally displaced persons still remains the priority. There continue to be cases in which returnees have to flee their only recently rebuilt homes when faced with brutal attacks by neighbours of different ethnicities or religions. But at the same time it is encouraging that more often the returnees are welcomed by their neighbours and offered assistance and support. During the first six months of this year three times more so-called minority returns were registered compared to the same period last year.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Imperfect as the Peace Agreement undoubtedly is, this cannot be an excuse for a lack of commitment to its implementation. For it is exactly its consistent implementation that can bring us closer to the point at 29 which it would be normal, and even unavoidable, to establish a new framework and new directions for Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards higher levels of development and higher living standards. However, this will only be possible when the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina become a place and an instrument for the realization of common interests and objectives of both of its entities and of all of its constituent nations and peoples instead of being a locus for very costly obstructions and confrontations to the detriment of all, in particular those who want to return to their homes.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Although we display courage in expressing readiness to take a larger share of responsibility as a Member of the United Nations and of other regional organizations, we are fully aware that we still need the international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that we still need its assistance and support in the normalization of life, in eliminating the consequences of war and in preparing ourselves for self-sustainable development and progress. Implementation of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement still remains the main focus of the activities of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels. Its implementation is also the primary focus of the international community and its representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Once established, the unit would be sent to a peacekeeping mission under the United Nations flag. We are considering very seriously the possibility of presenting the candidature of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a non- permanent seat in the Security Council after the year 2010. In this way, we are confirming our commitment to the stabilization and normalization of life in our country, and particularly our commitment to economic and democratic development. We are confident that, as early as 10 years from now, Bosnia and Herzegovina will succeed in becoming a member of the most important body of the United Nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The fact that we are in a position to consider the need or even the imperative of taking a more active and creative role, and thus a bigger share of responsibility, testifies to the trend of normalization of the situation in our country, which was ravaged by a war only five years ago. Although small in number, an integrated group of 13 policemen from both entities, comprising representatives of all three constituent peoples who only recently were fighting each other have been deployed with the international peacekeeping force in East Timor. Furthermore, with significant assistance from and the endorsement of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), efforts to form a joint unit composed of the military from both entities are under way.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I believe that by adopting this minimum of initial reforms of the Security Council and through continuous work on the other related issues such as the issue of the veto a favourable atmosphere would be created and this would positively influence relations within and all the activities of the United Nations. In our address to the General Assembly a year ago, our delegation announced that we would like to become a more active member of the international community, primarily of the United Nations. We said that we were determined to move from the position of the recipient of the concern and attention of the international organizations and forums a position in which we were placed for more or less well-known reasons to the position of a contributor to international efforts.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It has to follow the rapid and very often radical changes in international relations and to adjust accordingly and find the best ways to exercise its duties and its role. The reform of the United Nations no doubt is a very delicate issue. But its postponement and endless debates that only maintain the status quo are an even greater issue. Furthermore, these things bring into question the ability of the United Nations to modernize and democratize in order to improve its capacity and efficiency. An agreement has been reached on some of the most crucial issues regarding the reform of the Security Council, including the increase in its membership both its permanent and non-permanent seats to include the representatives of the developed and the developing countries and to provide more equitable geographical representation of the countries.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Addressing this Assembly on behalf of the country that in the memory of humankind is associated with the eruption of the First World War an event that was an early omen of the entire tragedy of the twentieth century I would like to express hope that at the very end of this century, after all the horrors of the Second World War and after the inconceivably tragic conflicts following the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina has exhausted all the misfortune of being at the epicentre of historic earthquakes. And I hope that, under the auspices of the United Nations, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready to gain anonymity through a speedy recovery and blessed, long-lasting and happy progress. The United Nations through its activities has and will continue to influence the developments in the world.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“28 If all this was achieved mostly under the conditions of the confrontations of the cold war, in a climate of mistrust and in the century during which humanity not only achieved the highest objectives but also touched the lowest depths, there should be no doubt that the United Nations can fulfil its new tasks.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Despite its weaknesses, imperfections, inadequate efficiency and sometimes missed opportunities, the consequences of which were partly felt in my country, the United Nations succeeded in maintaining global security, in containing several local and regional conflicts, in preserving peace and in facilitating the normalization of life. It has been successful in offering relief and hope to the most unfortunate ones. Again, my country experienced this side of the United Nations as well. In this respect, we again welcome the Srebrenica Report and subsequent Brahimi Report.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At the outset I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the President on his well-deserved election. I also wish to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab for his devoted work, tireless efforts and dedication while successfully presiding over the fifty-fourth United Nations General Assembly. The Millennium Summit that concluded only a few days ago has reaffirmed the unanimous belief of the world leaders that only together, guided by the spirit and the objectives of the founding fathers of the United Nations and respecting the established system of principles, norms and standards of international relations and international law, can we successfully respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“That is why we observe with a more critical eye the duties that we have taken on as a full member of the family of nations, but that we have not yet carried out or accomplished fully. Such an orientation is more a result of the fact that we feel more self-confident and are more and more trustful towards our friends and partners in the United Nations and other international organizations, forums and initiatives. An expression of this is the decision taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina to reduce its military expenses by 15 per cent in the hope of giving an example to other nations. Allow me to conclude this statement by quoting a brilliant diplomat who once said, “People and States act wisely only after they have exhausted all other alternatives.””
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I am of the view that if the United Nations had the courage to change the world, it can and must find the determination to change itself more quickly and to adapt itself to face the challenges of the next century. The millennium summit could be envisaged as a great opportunity for heads of State and Government of Member States meeting in the year 2000 to verify and adopt a large part of these reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina has thus far been to a greater or lesser extent an object of consideration within many international organizations and forums. The time and the context that dictated such a position are fortunately coming to an end. We are now becoming aware of the necessity of 38 taking a more active, creative and responsible role in international relations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“At the same time, unfortunately, we have noticed some weaknesses and imperfections that endanger the role of the Organization as a vital and irreplaceable Organization for the twenty-first century. I believe that none of us has any doubts that the United Nations is ready and able to pursue its noble mission to continue to strengthen and develop its purpose and ideals in the coming century. Even if the United Nations has not achieved all of its goals, it was able to safeguard global peace, initiate and make possible sustainable development, appease many injustices worldwide and, on top of all that, to come to very clear visions about its own reforms. The United Nations started reforming itself several years ago but has not yet finished this task. This path should indeed be vigorously pursued.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Bearing all of this in mind, we in Bosnia and Herzegovina are determined to embrace the Stability Pact in its entirety, to build on it and to accomplish our objectives through concrete contributions to its success, through our own initiatives and creative activities and through the development of regional cooperation within the framework of multilateral and bilateral agreements. In that context, I wish from this podium once again not only to reaffirm the indispensable role of the Organization in the implementation of the Dayton/Paris Agreement and the Stability Pact, but also to reiterate my gratitude for all the efforts, contributions and many sacrifices made for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have witnessed in this past decade the capabilities and efficiencies of international organizations, and especially of the United Nations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The guarantees of the success of the goals of the Stability Pact — peace, prosperity and security for our part of the world — indeed depend upon the determination and preparedness of the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as other international organizations, institutions and regional initiatives. The guarantee of their accomplishment also depends upon the fact that the European Union and the United States of America have made the Stability Pact a priority in their new trans-Atlantic programme, and the European Union and the Russian Federation have made the Pact the priority in their political dialogue.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are convinced that the Stability Pact and the declaration adopted in Sarajevo have opened new perspectives to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to all the other countries in the region. This has given birth to a stable and definite solution to a series of catastrophic events of Biblical proportions and the fast recovery of peoples and countries that have paid an extremely high price for ignorance, for political and military adventurism and for flagrant violations of the norms of international relations and international humanitarian law.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“At that historic event, the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bodies and organizations from both Entities and many individual actors of all nationalities, confirmed not only their abilities and their capabilities, but also their belief in and readiness to make joint endeavours in their respective and common interests. I am deeply convinced that the numerous offers of congratulations and recognition which were forwarded to us on that occasion from the many prominent European and world heads of State gathered in Sarajevo were more than a simple expression of diplomatic courtesy. As a unique contribution to the objectives of the Stability Pact, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia have signed the border agreement, thereby removing this sensitive issue from our respective agendas.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I believe that one of the most convincing pieces of evidence of the progress which we are witnessing in Bosnia and Herzegovina was its organization and hosting of the Summit of the Stability 37 Pact for South-Eastern Europe, which took place on 29 and 30 July this year in Sarajevo. As the Assembly may recall, Sarajevo has hosted leaders of the States members of European Union, the Russian Federation, Canada, the United States of America, Japan, the Central and Eastern European countries, the most important multilateral institutions, such as this one, and, of course, the countries of South-Eastern Europe — the very members of the Stability Pact.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“For these and many other results which cannot be mentioned because of the time limitations, we have to thank the international community, which gave direct and indirect assistance, and we are especially grateful to the High Representative, who used his right to impose solutions when we in Bosnia and Herzegovina were unable to reach agreement through the normal democratic process. All of those efforts should warn us that the presence of the international community and its role in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still indispensable; it remains a guarantor that life in Bosnia and Herzegovina will move towards normalization.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In that regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina was particularly encouraged by the adoption last year of the European Union Declaration on special relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Consultative Task Force established pursuant to that document has intensified its work in assisting us to overcome a number of technical, legal and organizational problems in the relationship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. This has strengthened the functioning of State and Entity institutions and is enabling us to cooperate more successfully with the European Union.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Preparations for the privatization of larger public enterprises and industrial conglomerates, which were an inheritance from the socialist period, are under way. Bosnia and Herzegovina is speeding up its activities in these and many other areas as a reflection of its strong orientation towards the building of democracy and civil society, an open market economy and the enlargement of human rights and, by doing so, it is meeting the conditions for admission to the Council of Europe and getting closer to the European Union and trans-Atlantic institutions. Bosnia and Herzegovina has increased its cooperation with the European Union and North Atlantic groupings, at the same time benefiting from the various forms of support and assistance that those institutions have provided to us.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We still have a high number of unemployed and socially dependent categories. That is why Bosnia and Herzegovina will need international assistance for a longer period of time. However, that would be an investment not only in our future but in the future of everyone. Activities are under way in regulating the sensitive but vital field of public information in both Entities. A set of regulations on the organization and functioning of broadcasting is in the process of being drawn up. Significant measures have been undertaken in the sphere of economic reform. In addition, the customs law has entered into force, the reform of the banking system and financial transactions has been launched and the first results have been achieved in the privatization of small enterprises.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Finally, there has also been progress in cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, although such cooperation is still not complete in the region as a whole. Starting with the current school year, children in the schools of Bosnia and Herzegovina are attending classes in accordance with new programmes which reflect the present time and look to our common future. The school programmes exclude contents which, according to the common multinational commissions and international representatives, could represent a threat and a danger to the fragile confidence and understanding of the young generations. Significant results have been achieved through a programme of economic and infrastructural reconstruction. But the restoration of industrial capacity has brought it up to only one third of its pre-war level.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The public at large — the voters — are monitoring and assessing this process daily. The return of refugees under conditions set by us is the barometer of reconciliation, respect for human rights and stability in general. Reform of the judicial system has also been initiated, and it is aimed at the complete professionalization, modernization and independence of judges and prosecutors, in accordance with the norms and standards of the democratic societies of contemporary Europe and the world. The reconstruction of the Ministry of the Interior is also under way, as well as the modernization, professional training and education of local police. The recruitment of policemen and policewomen reflects the demographic picture of the population.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“36 However, this year the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been working with greater effectiveness, intensity and coordination. Furthermore, 272,000 displaced persons and 343,000 refugees have returned to both Entities. However, the return remains one of the most difficult and painful humanitarian, economic and political issues, especially the so-called minority return. On different levels, the minority return is still being slowed down, manipulated, blocked and politically exploited. However, we are not accepting the situation. Minority return is not coming off our agenda; rather, it is increasingly becoming an indicator of success, demonstrating the capabilities and responsibilities of many political leaders from the local to the State level.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“It is also a reflection of the state of mind and general mood among the citizens. I believe that it would not be too optimistic to claim that those positive results and developments are evidence of a higher potential and the growing will to find a way out of the difficult and depressing state in which Bosnia and Herzegovina was a prisoner for almost a whole decade. Of course, there are still many issues which we need to work on regarding the Peace Agreement implementation and the implementation of the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Council contained in the Bonn and Madrid documents, although it also cannot be disputed that, unfortunately, we have reached unbalanced results in the two Entities.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“I do not want to suggest that the progress that has been made is spectacular and that we in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or the international players involved in my country, are filled with great joy. Nonetheless, despite all the criticism and all of the shortcomings, progress is obvious, and that is a fact worthy of our attention, if for no other reason than that it is proof that Bosnia and Herzegovina is starting slowly and surely to move away from political, humanitarian, economic and almost every other form of stagnation. It is also proof that Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving away from the state of deep internal mistrust, doubt and reservation which has for a long time existed between the two Entities and different constitutive people, and between their political leaders and representatives in common institutions.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The progress is visible in the further strengthening of peace, improvements in efficiency and the stabilization not only of common institutions but also of the institutions of both Entities as well as of local government bodies. This progress is also evident in the further promotion and affirmation of democratic values, human rights and freedoms and even in the return of displaced persons and refugees. This progress has also been noted in numerous reports by authoritative international representatives and institutions from the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the High Representative and participants in the Stability Pact Summit. All of them confirmed that we have been moving in the right direction.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Allow me at the outset to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Foreign Minister of Namibia, on his election as President of the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly. His talent, skills and experience in international affairs guarantee the wise conduct and direction of this session. Our gratitude goes to the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Didier Opertti. Since the beginning of the fifty-third session of the General Assembly, my country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has achieved remarkable progress in implementation of the Dayton/Paris Peace Accords — progress, I might even dare to say, that is encouraging.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Based on our own experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have learned lessons that we must share with the international community as a part of our humanitarian duty. We owe it to ourselves and to our children. That is why my Government intends to propose for the favourable consideration of this Assembly a set of basic tenets of humanitarian action in emergency situations. The purpose is neither to duplicate nor to downgrade the ongoing efforts, but rather to supplement what exists and to enhance awareness of the need to adjust international norms and practices to new realities. We trust that all Member States will join us in this effort so that, together, we are able to contribute to the development of a new international humanitarian order.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“This year, we are also celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thanks to that document and to the tireless 14 activities of people around the world, human rights have become a genuine global issue, and ensuring their respect and protection is one of the most important ongoing tasks of the international community. The end of this millennium in human history has witnessed a growing number of massive humanitarian emergencies. We need to draw conclusions from them because the flagrant violation of human rights and humanitarian law and the barbaric acts of savagery that we have witnessed in various parts of the globe in recent years are an affront to our common humanity.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We have a direct and decisive interest in securing compliance by all signatories, and all others who are obligated, with all their commitments under the peace Agreement, including full compliance with the International Tribunal. One thing we can be proud of is our universal Organization, the United Nations, which, throughout this time, has been the main vehicle for promoting peace, cooperation and development on our planet. In the face of new challenges, we would like to see the United Nations even more efficient and instrumental in dealing with a number of global issues. The struggle against terrorism, illegal arms and drug- trafficking and violations of human rights is in the forefront of our common agenda for a better future. The role of a dynamic, effective, well-focused United Nations is indispensable in that respect.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“We now need to continue our efforts to decontaminate the ground, and the assistance of the international community is also essential in this endeavour. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s experience was also critical to the recent adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court in Rome. We played a vital and active role in Rome, since we are convinced that justice and reconciliation, legality and peace, are intertwined. The new Court should take into consideration the experiences of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, whose impact on lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is critical. We in Bosnia and Herzegovina are convinced that those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law should be brought to justice, regardless of the ethnicity of the victims or perpetrators.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“The human, national and democratic rights of all the parties must be taken into consideration, as must the territorial integrity of all States in the region. No matter how we get there, all lasting solutions end with a political settlement — one which all the parties need to abide by, if not always enthusiastically support. We are there to help in any way we can and the active support of us all will be necessary. Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, has tried to learn from its recent past. When you have to pay a high price for a lesson, you also learn well. Among other steps, Bosnia and Herzegovina has ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“Here, I would be morally and politically reckless if I did not highlight the tragic and increasingly alarming situation in the Kosovo region of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Events there certainly have a contaminating effect on Bosnia and Herzegovina, at least psychologically. However, the situation is in itself worthy of our great consideration and engagement, regardless of its impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina or beyond. Lessons must have been learned from the international treatment Bosnia and Herzegovina received during our recent crisis. Decisiveness, urgency and the proper combination of tools and remedies available to the key factors must all be there in order for us to achieve a speedy and proper solution.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“At a more global level, this is the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a factor for stability in the region and an active partner in building security architecture on the continent. As has already been mentioned, we in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot do this alone. But, hand in hand with the international community, we can all continue our journey into the next millennium with more hope and better prospects. In less than two years, the century — full of achievements and unbelievable technological progress, but also a period of two world wars and a number of smaller but no less tragic conflicts — will be over. We are stepping into a new millennium with a lot of expectations, but also with heavy baggage.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“But the time has come to consider that one future path may lie in changing the donor-recipient relationship into a concrete, project-oriented joint venture, in which local companies and infrastructure could have a more substantial participation. This would no doubt contribute to the faster economic rehabilitation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to reaching the level of self-sustainable growth. Better economic prospects will certainly enhance our ability to overcome many existing obstacles and to achieve the overall stability of the country; and the ultimate goal of handing over the business of running the country to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina would be better served.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)
“A multi-ethnic, multicultural Bosnia and Herzegovina within both its entities, in which mutual respect, equality and cooperation among the constitutive peoples and different ethnic groups are shared assets, will be the best answer to superficial theories on the inevitable clashes between different cultures and civilizations. The continued presence of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina is certainly needed. Without the generous help and support it has 13 extended so far, little would have been achieved. The United Nations and its specialized agencies stand high among those that are doing their best to help Bosnia and Herzegovina overcome its problems.”
1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)