YouSaid · the spoken record

Željko Komšić

lines on the record: 139
first: 2009-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“United Nations reform should lead to the efficient and coordinated functioning of all agencies and bodies of the United Nations system, bearing in mind the need to avoid any duplication of activities in the context of a more rational allocation of financial resources. Regardless of the future configuration of the Security Council, we believe that the Eastern European group of countries must have another non-permanent seat, taking into account the fact that in the past two decades the number of countries in this group has more than doubled. While presiding over a subsidiary body of the Security Council — the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions — Bosnia and Herzegovina set the consideration of the working methods and transparency of the Security Council as a primary goal.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I am convinced that it is in our common interest to ensure that future generations inherit the best possible world on our common home, planet Earth. 15 11-50702 I hope that all of us who are here today agree that comprehensive United Nations reform is necessary; such reform must be carried out with extreme care, with the broadest possible consensus on the part of Member States. Bosnia and Herzegovina sees the role of the United Nations and its agencies as central to resolving key issues of international significance. Therefore, it supports the Secretary-General’s efforts and proposals for reform.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed interest in joining the countries that support the Copenhagen Accord; thus our country has joined the large number of States Members of the United Nations that consider that Accord to be a necessary step in relation to Kyoto until the achievement of a final, legally binding agreement. Bearing this in mind, I believe that neither economic nor political interests should stand in the way of achieving a global consensus as the beginning of the global and common struggle to preserve the natural balance of the planet. It is often forgotten that climate change has a direct effect in terms of development, poverty and hunger, and, consequently, global peace and security.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The climate change problem caused by human activity is leading to changes in the environment that could have catastrophic consequences for humankind as a whole if the process of reaching agreement on environmental protection is not intensified. Bosnia and Herzegovina shares the concern of the most States Members of the United Nations at the fact that drought, floods, sea-level rise, lack of running water and food, deforestation and all the other phenomena caused by global warming pose a serious threat to global security, which in future could be a cause of conflict throughout the world. The extremely important issue of climate change therefore requires urgent action by the international community.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the context of the activities of the United Nations, we must face the fact that the greatest economic crisis since the foundation of the world Organization has to some degree threatened and even begun to bring into question the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, one of the most comprehensive strategic tasks set by the Organization since its establishment. Therefore, it is necessary to do everything in our power, individually and collectively, in order to prevent any further erosion of this key strategic project. We believe that it is necessary for the international community, especially the United Nations, to redouble its efforts to assist primarily the least developed countries.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In addition to the political crisis, this year we are faced once again with many other problems to which the international community still lacks proper and effective responses. Despite signs of recovery, the greatest economic and financial crisis in recent history has, unfortunately, left visible consequences that are having repercussions on global peace and security. It is clear that countries individually cannot cope with this issue, no matter how efficient their Governments may be. Global crises require global solutions.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Bearing in mind the fact that the modern world continues to face various forms of international terrorism, I express our support for the full implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the activities of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. In that regard, let me reiterate that Bosnia and Herzegovina is unconditionally dedicated to the fight against terrorism and is particularly active in cooperating with the countries of our region to increase security and enhance preparedness for the effective prevention of terrorist acts. Completing negotiations and adopting a United Nations comprehensive convention against terrorism would be an important contribution in this field.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We are witnesses to the fact that the international community’s determination to deal with terrorism and, at the same time, create conditions conducive to the peaceful development of Afghanistan has yielded results. However, we cannot but conclude that it will take much greater efforts to establish self-sustaining peace and stability in Afghanistan. In April 2010, as a sign of support for the activities of the international community, Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a decision on the sending of an infantry unit to the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan. I would like to emphasize here that Bosnia and Herzegovina is still very concerned about terrorist attacks, which claim innocent civilian lives in many countries around the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The only way forward is a solution that is based on the principle of the peaceful coexistence of two sovereign States: a viable and independent Palestine and a stable and secure Israel, with respect for the provisions of 11-50702 14 international law and humanitarian law and human rights instruments. To date, the United Nations has supported and actively participated in the creation of a positive atmosphere in order to reach a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. Bosnia and Herzegovina believes that the conditions for a lasting and just solution can be achieved with additional political will and responsibility on the part of the negotiating parties.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is following with great attention, preoccupation and concern the development of the situation in the friendly Arab countries that are affected by deep social and political changes. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports democratic processes aimed at the creation of free, democratic and prosperous societies. However, such processes are often followed by tragic consequences, and we therefore appeal once again for the violence to stop and for peace to be achieved in those societies. We are deeply concerned by the standstill in crisis resolution in the Middle East. Despite the optimistic announcements and plans made, the peace process has not yet been revived, as had been expected.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The strategic goal of establishing formal relations and EU membership is based on the aspiration of Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve the full functioning of our own institutions and the further development of society, on the basis of the principles of a free market, the rule of law and, especially, the protection of human rights. Furthermore, my country wishes to improve its relations with the States of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia and the wider region, at the multilateral and bilateral level, in accordance with common interests and real possibilities. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains dedicated to the principle of openness in cooperation with all countries of the world. Many important world events have occurred since the previous session of the General Assembly.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We are committed to future cooperation with our neighbours, based on the principles of mutual respect and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are interested in sharing our experiences with others and in developing mutually beneficial relations in post-conflict peacebuilding, based on mutual respect for differences, which, in our opinion, represent an advantage. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that the issues of neighbourly and regional cooperation are closely related to the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU and NATO, which is a strategic and high-priority foreign policy objective for my country. We believe that this is the best and only way to ensure stability, security, economic development and prosperity for all citizens of Bosnia.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Bearing that in mind, we would like once again to thank the Assembly for the confidence its members have shown and for the support they have provided during our membership in the Security Council. Bosnia and Herzegovina also continues to provide concrete contributions to the United Nations peace operations in Liberia, the Sudan, Cyprus and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are united in our determination to move towards full membership in the European Union (EU); our unity provides a solid basis for the achievement of this goal. Bosnia and Herzegovina places special emphasis on regional and subregional cooperation and dialogue between neighbouring countries in the Balkans, with their different cultures and traditions that have been present for centuries.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the interests of the success of peacebuilding initiatives, priority must be given to institution- building. so as to prevent a return to conflict and ensure the survival, renewed credibility and legitimacy of States. The purpose of institution-building is to progressively reduce dependence on the international community and promote sustainability. Ownership of the reform process is the main condition for the establishment of effective institutions and for ensuring sustainable peace. Success in post-conflict institution-building depends primarily on establishing partnerships between the international community and post-conflict societies, a partnership that is based on a set of common goals.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has played a constructive role in the work of the Security Council by contributing to the Council’s better, more effective and faster response to situations with the potential to 13 11-50702 threaten international peace. Furthermore, Bosnia and Herzegovina has also sought to share its own experiences in post-conflict peacebuilding and contribute actively to better and long-lasting understanding and reconciliation. Through its role in the Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina showed that it can be an equal and competent partner in international relations. The Security Council thematic debate (see S/PV.6472) entitled “Post-conflict peacebuilding: institution-building”, which was initiated by Bosnia and Herzegovina, reached a number of conclusions. I would like to mention some of them.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Accordingly, other countries, along with the Security Council’s permanent members and the world Powers, also have the opportunity to express their views and participate in Security Council decision-making on important issues of international peace and security. It has been our pleasure and honour to work together with all members of the Security Council during the term of our membership, 2010-2011. Bosnia and Herzegovina had the honour to preside over the Security Council in January 2011. Although acting as President was only one segment of the two-year experience in the Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina once again proved that it can be an equal partner on the international diplomatic scene and respond to a variety of obligations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Over the past five years, Mr. Ban has worked tirelessly to address the various issues facing the Organization. We expect that the Secretary-General will continue to pursue these activities during his second term. Allow me to express my gratitude for all the cooperation and the support we have received during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership in the Security Council, which will expire in a few months. Speaking of our membership in the Security Council, let me once again reiterate the view that the presence and participation of small States such as Bosnia and Herzegovina in the work and decisions of the Security Council is particularly important for maintaining balance within it.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is my great honour to address the General Assembly today in my capacity as the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Allow me, at the very outset, to congratulate Mr. Al-Nasser upon his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session, as well as the members of the Bureau, and to express our full support for your future work. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on the results achieved when he presided over the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly, in a period when this body and the international community in general were facing an array of challenges stemming from current global issues. I am especially honoured to extend congratulations to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his unanimous re-appointment as the Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I would like to express my gratitude to all Member States who supported Bosnia and Herzegovina and who are willing to elect my country as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2010-2011.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Nowadays, when political and social processes are more dynamic than ever and we are facing challenges quite opposite from those of several decades ago, it has become more obvious that only a strong, multilateral approach can provide the right answers. The United Nations has faced numerous challenges, yet it remains the only path leading to a better future and the only Organization able to offer adequate solutions to the array of global issues we are facing. If we work together to implement the conclusions reached here at this high-level event, we will undoubtedly live in better and more equitable conditions than is the case today. Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to fully contribute to the work of the United Nations.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We therefore welcome the efforts by the United Nations through the New Partnership for Africa’s Development intended to lead Africa to stable and sustainable development and to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals. This particularly relates to sub-Saharan countries. We support the efforts of the African Union, African Governments, the United Nations, the United Nations Office for West Africa and other regional initiatives designed to improve the rule of law and democracy and to strengthen capacities of civil society and institutions, and thus to upgrade all aspects of social life. We underline the importance of the continued provision of material aid for Africa, as well as improved use of these resources towards sustainable development.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“After so many years of suffering, bloodshed, tension, mutual misunderstanding and conflict, we must support the latest activities of the Quartet members, as well as regional initiatives aimed at taking the crucial step forward leading to sustainable peace, which implies creation of a sovereign, independent and self- sustaining Palestinian State. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been closely following the situation in Africa. We expect that despite the hard-hitting global economic crisis, the world’s most developed countries will continue to increase the percentage of their gross domestic product that they contribute to official development assistance and to contribute the other expertise necessary for strengthening the capacities of poor African countries.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Since 2000, members of the armed forces and police forces from Bosnia and Herzegovina have been equal participants in United Nations international military and police missions in 9 09-52320 the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Sudan, East Timor, Cyprus and Haiti, thus contributing to the preservation of international peace and stability. Furthermore, it supports international efforts to stabilize the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Finding a solution to the Middle East crisis remains one of the priorities of the world Organization. We believe that positive momentum ought to be used in the best possible manner to establish equitable and comprehensive peace in this region.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As a small but multi-ethnic, multinational and multireligious country with a rich historic heritage, Bosnia and Herzegovina is conversant with a plethora of sociopolitical systems and cultural and historical contexts. Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to share its experience in peacebuilding in a post-conflict situation, particularly in the area of confidence-building among multicultural communities, and thus actively contribute to better understanding and long-term reconciliation in such regions. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina actively participates in the work of international organizations, especially the work of the United Nations. It has been a member of the Human Rights Council since June 2007, and within the Council’s framework it has been working on promoting and protecting human rights throughout the world.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, apart from the views of the permanent members and world Powers, the Council needs to encourage smaller countries to present their views and participate in the decision-making process of that body, which in some ways represents global government. That is one of the reasons why we decided, after careful consideration and for the first time in our history, to run for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2010-2011. Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been the main topic of numerous debates of the international community, today wants to have the capacity to actively participate in and contribute to the work of the Security Council.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We believe that there are no universal solutions applicable to every crisis, to the requirements of each particular case. Various cultures and traditions have coexisted in the Balkans for centuries. We are willing to share both our positive and negative experiences in the post- conflict peacebuilding aspect. The foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is aimed at preserving and improving long-lasting peace, security and stability, democratic and comprehensive social development and contributions to international peace and stability. The presence, participation and actions of small countries in the decision-making process of the Security Council are of great importance in maintaining balance within the Council.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The number of refugees has been growing daily around the globe, but less effort and fewer means are devoted to finding a concrete solution to this global issue. We in Bosnia and Herzegovina are well acquainted with the destiny, pain and suffering of refugees, and thus we urge maximum effort to systematically resolve the global refugee crises. We support the joint and continued endeavours of all United Nations agencies and the non-governmental sector that directly deal with this problem. We are willing to offer cooperation in every aspect. With regard to United Nations peacekeeping missions, we believe that, with foresight and considering the best practices, each crisis has to be carefully examined, taking into consideration all its causes, if we are to find a sustainable and justifiable solution.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Therefore, it is necessary to foster additional United Nations early warning mechanisms and establish multiple sources of information in order to create a true picture of the situation and at the same time strengthen countries’ abilities to resist enticements that lead to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, since those indicted for war crimes in the former Yugoslavia must be prosecuted. Meanwhile, a legal framework has been set up in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has begun to prosecute war crimes. That is one of the requirements for building mutual confidence and reconciliation in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We believe that taking that new course of action would mean that many issues and crises could be solved before they become aggravated, thus increasing the Council’s efficiency. Ensuring timely and efficient conflict prevention, rather than reacting once a crisis has already escalated, is a more efficient and less expensive method for preserving peace and security. Unfortunately, armed conflicts remain the reality of our world, and those most in danger are the poorest peoples and nations, who are left to fend for themselves.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We all have to be aware that any further delay in Security Council reform will undermine the credibility of that body, whereas the willingness to reach a compromise must be an imperative. Dialogue and compromise are the only way to ensure the broadest possible support for reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the opinion that Security Council reform should urgently commence. In any case, we believe that in the future reformed Council, the group of Eastern European countries must have another non-permanent seat, considering that the 09-52320 8 number of countries in that group has more than doubled in the last two decades. I wish to emphasize that I expect the Council to engage more strongly in preventive diplomacy.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, a widely accepted perspective is that the reform of the Security Council is of key importance for substantive reform of the entire system of the world organization. I am convinced that the majority agree with me that Security Council reform ought primarily to result in better transparency of that body and its activities and should provide for a considerably larger spectrum of non-member States to participate in its work. That applies in particular to countries that are most on the Council’s agenda, countries that are directly affected by a particular crisis, as well as countries that could use their expertise or experience gained in similar situations that contribute to following the best and most acceptable solutions.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Humanitarian catastrophes caused by weather conditions that have affected parts of our planet over recent years should serve as a warning to all of us. Neither economic nor political interests must be allowed to obstruct the achievement of a global consensus as the true beginning of a global struggle to prevent the loss of the natural balance of our planet. All of us gathered here today agree that consensus and comprehensive reform of the United Nations system is necessary and that it ought to be carried out in a careful, prudent manner that ensures the broadest consensus of the Member States. United Nations reform should result in efficient and coordinated functioning of all bodies of the system.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Such projects have been carried out in cooperation with relevant United Nations agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for that intensive cooperation. Climate change is one of the key issues that require an urgent response from the international community. Bosnia and Herzegovina aspires to end the year 2009 with successful completion of international negotiations on climate change. Furthermore, we hope that the Copenhagen summit will produce an agreement that outpaces the Kyoto Protocol and that it will gain the support of the United Nations Member States. However, it is not only island countries that are affected by this problem. It is a universal challenge and threat.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We think that during the crisis it is necessary to reform the global financial system and make it more transparent, to develop mechanisms for market monitoring and thus to avoid the mistakes that occurred in the period prior to the current decrease in the global GDP. State institutions in my country — Bosnia and Herzegovina — have made systematic efforts to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals, and we believe that other than the difficulties caused by global economic volatility, there possibly will be no other obstacles in the context of finalizing the defined tasks by 2015. At the moment, Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing a development strategy and a social inclusion strategy. The anti-poverty strategy was drafted earlier and has been implemented.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“This applies in particular to the poorest countries, and especially to sub-Saharan African countries that had failed to achieve positive results even before the onset of the crisis. I stress that besides the responsibility borne by those countries pertaining to their activities in establishing good governance and the rule of law, which are prerequisites for achieving the aforementioned development goals, a huge responsibility lies with the developed countries. It is exactly the developed countries that are expected to do everything in their power in order to overcome the global economic crisis.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The Conference confirmed once again that the role of the United Nations — and especially of the General 7 09-52320 Assembly, as one of the most democratic of forums — is to lead this process and find new modalities for improvement of cooperation with the aim of establishing effective mechanisms for preventing crises and alleviating and eliminating their consequences, as well as for eradicating poverty and establishing social justice in the world. It is accurate to say that the present global economic crisis — the severest since the establishment of the United Nations — has heavily compromised and even jeopardized the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, one of the noblest tasks set by the Organization since its foundation.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Even though there are indicators which show that recession in developed countries is slowly abating, it is evident that recovery will be slow and time-consuming. With regard to the developing and less developed countries, we can only imagine the harmful consequences that this crisis could produce in the times ahead. It is more than obvious that countries cannot combat these crises on their own, regardless of the efficiency of their Governments. Global crisis requires global solutions. Ms. Koirala (Nepal), Vice-President, took the Chair. We welcome the adoption of the outcome document of the recent high-level Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development (resolution 63/303, annex).”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Sessions of the General Assembly have always served as opportunities for leaders of States to gather and exchange their opinions about the situation in the world with the aim of finding the most suitable solutions for current global issues. The United Nations, like other organizations, depends upon the collective strength of its Members; that strength needs to be based on consensus among Member States. One of the most pressing issues that has marked the past year is the global economic and financial crisis, which has become the biggest threat to global peace and stability. If we miss the opportunity to tackle its negative effects immediately, it could produce unimaginable consequences throughout the world.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is a great honour for me to address the General Assembly today in my capacity as the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the very outset, allow me to congratulate the President of the Assembly at its sixty-fourth session and the other members of the Bureau on their election, and to express our full support to their future work. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, whom I met on several occasions, on the results achieved during his presidency of the sixty- third session of the General Assembly at a time when this body and the international community in general were facing an array of challenges related to pressing global issues.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)