YouSaid · the spoken record

Zlatko Lagumdzija

lines on the record: 28
first: 2001-09-24
most recent: 2002-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“Jobs, justice for all, solidarity and Europe, through reforms and strong state institutions, are the items on our agenda today. We are determined to turn these words into deeds.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Once again, I would like to express the gratitude of my Government to the international community for its devoted support towards long-lasting stability and development in the region. If the four million people of my country — Muslims, Orthodox Catholics, Jews and others who historically lived in tolerance, even in a non- democratic environment — cannot now live in a democratic and open society in the middle of Europe, then the logical question after 11 September is: How we can be consolidated and organized among the six billion people of our planet? Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am driven by the force of optimism and the strength of vision shared by the overall majority of those who do not want to repeat the past, but are ready to fight for the future.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In following the trials of war criminals before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague, we are bearing witness to the hope that justice and the future will finally bury projects based on genocide. That is why we have to act on a daily basis against those who are trying to open the box of drawing new maps or calling for new wars in the region. So much energy and so many efforts of the local and international communities have been invested so far that we are not even allowed to consider anything but a strategy for success. Any type of hypothetical exit strategy of the international community can be based 25 only on a success strategy in building one multiethnic, democratic and European State of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We have gone through the process of being the object of international efforts and are now the partner in the process of making an economically and institutionally self-sustainable State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is only one phase in a process of finally becoming the owner of the changes in our country. In partnership with the international community, we are streamlining a common strategy for political stability, institution-building and an economic recovery programme as the precondition of overall sustainable development. The entire region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, is entering a new stage of stability and the European integration process, but we still have to be on the alert. The ghosts of the past, segregation and wars are losing ground.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Reconstruction is taking place and results are visible in the economy, social reforms, education, health care and so on. Economic reforms are directed towards the establishment of a single economic space and also with a view to setting up conditions for upgraded education and thus to offering the choice for our young generations to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina and become the frontrunners of its development and future. We have almost fully completed the conditions set out in the European Union's road map, which we hope will soon open the process of a feasibility study for Bosnia and Herzegovina's signing of a stabilization and association agreement with the European Union.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Bosnia and Herzegovina also supports the continuation of work on reforming the Security Council, adjusting its membership in accordance with carefully designed criteria, taking into account equal geographic representation but not jeopardizing the efficiency of that United Nations body. Allow me to briefly mention some of the priorities of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina has in the past two years proved its determination to move from the position of passive aid recipient from the international community to the position of contributor to international efforts. 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 the country.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“There should be no doubt that the United Nations has the potential to fulfil its new tasks and thus respond to the ever increasing challenges of the fast-changing world. It should provide leadership in building a prosperous world, founded no longer on force and threats, but on the rules of international law and respect for all rights, and rights for all. In that context I would like to underline that we support the further democratization and modernization of the United Nations. New tasks and challenges call increasing efficiency, cost rationalization and the equal geographic participation of States and peoples in the United Nations system.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The police reform and restructuring, with a view to meeting international standards of organizational capacity and institutional integrity, represents a clear success. The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was certainly one of the key players also in establishing the foundation for effective, democratic and sustainable law enforcement agencies, a fundamental element for the further development of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a multi- ethnic, tolerant and democratic State. We welcome the transfer of the remaining tasks in this area to the European Union Police Mission, and especially the extension of the European Union responsibility in the area of juridical reform as one of the basic pillars of self-sustainability, future democratization and the reform process.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Many roads, many villages, many roofs were built or repaired; many mosques and churches have also been built or repaired. The contribution of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), the Stabilization Force, the High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, the Office of the United 24 Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and others in the family of the international community present in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been substantial in achieving the present level of stability and reconstruction. We particularly recognize the value and the role of UNMIBH which is completing its mandate at the end of this year.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“That is why I would like at this juncture to emphasize the importance of cooperation by all sides concerned with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. At the same time we are aware that democratization is sometimes a long process. Post- conflict peace-building is even more complex. But, we have set the vision for developing a safe, peaceful, stable and self-sustainable country, and we shall not stop half way. Today, we are a full member of the Council of Europe. More refugees and displaced persons have returned in recent times as compared to any other post-war period. In other words, in the last 18 months almost three times more properties, homes and apartments were given back to refugees and displaced persons all over Bosnia and Herzegovina than in the previous five years.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Following the recent tragic events and all the turbulent changes that Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced, we strongly believe in the paradigm of democracy, development and peace as the pillars of progress and stability for my country, but also for the immediate neighbourhood and region as well. Only responsible and accountable governance can bring about necessary changes and progress for all. Unfortunately, we are still confronted with the heavy legacy of the past, and especially with the fact that the main culprits for the crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, are at large. The moment they are brought to justice, it will be easier to reach our goals.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Today we are even more convinced that all problems can be solved only through dialogue based on good political will. From that position we have joined the fight against terrorism and organized crime of all kinds. We have heightened our struggle against corruption by upgrading and strengthening our State institutions. We have placed the rule of law at the top of the agenda. Good work has been done, results have been achieved and we have thus proved that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a no-man's land. Building democratic institutions, economic development and the protection and promotion of human rights are more than ever at the top of our priorities.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We are all striving to finish the job of fully integrating the region into European democratic structures and values. Enormous efforts and achievements are behind us, but we have to be careful and patient until stability becomes self-sustainable through the building of jobs, justice and functioning institutions, which will hold together new democracy. In the light of last year's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, our fragile State — the only European State where Muslims represent the majority religious group — was confronted with the heavy pressure of prejudice regarding a “clash between civilizations”. But, as members may know, I come from a State that represented a crossroads of different cultures and religions, where different civilizations lived for centuries in tolerance and mutual respect.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“However, we must be prepared for a long and exhausting confrontation with this evil of our times. Last year we were all rightly focused on Afghanistan. Today we are concerned also about future steps regarding Iraq as a great threat to world stability and a shelter for terrorism. Fortunately, after a decade of being in focus as a crisis area, that South-Eastern Europe, the Balkans, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the heart of the region, are no longer “CNN-able”, given the present growing stability. The time has come to salute the new image of my country and to start re-branding the perception of the region as a whole, which no longer fits anymore the “Balkan ghosts” stereotype. Great concerns such as Iraq, the Middle East and Kashmir should not let us forget that the Balkan region is bearing good news.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I am grateful for the opportunity to address the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session. Allow me at the 23 outset to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Jan Kavan on his well-deserved election to the presidency. The tragic events of 11 September have made us reconsider our achievements, real values, and the links between poverty, development, sustainability, respect for human rights and real progress. Yet, the goals envisioned by the perpetrators of those crimes have certainly not been fulfilled. The world has become more united and more determined to fight terrorism as a global threat to the values of civilization. The result is increased cooperation among specialized services and bodies of different States, as well as international organizations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Finally, I can assure you today that our country has a leadership with a clear vision and is ready to act accordingly. For years, Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the world’s international and regional problems. Today, my country is becoming one of the solutions. With this conviction, we are looking at the important challenges and tremendous tasks that are still ahead of us. We must confront them without delay. I am standing here to say we will do it.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“However, a number of issues that burdened relations between the neighbouring countries are still on the agenda. Some of them have already been solved in bilateral meetings, but we are looking forward to tackling them more actively. Today is exactly one year since the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the first time in 10 years of being driven by nationalism, gave less than 50 percent of their votes to three major ethnic parties. It took us almost four months to establish the new, democratic, multi-ethnic, Europe-oriented Government that is now in place. We believe that we are on the way to striking a proper balance between the necessary assistance of the international community and further decision-making by ourselves.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The establishment of contractual relations with the European Union through the stabilization and association process is one of the priority strategic goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Further improvement of good relations with neighbouring countries and increased regional cooperation remain key elements for the stability and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Relations with the Republic of Croatia since the democratic changes in January last year are improving every day, in every sense. As a result of the democratic changes last year in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and 18 Herzegovina has established full diplomatic relations with that country, which opened the official channels of the two countries to deal with a number of important matters.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We are determined to move from the position of a patient or passive recipient of aid from international organizations and institutions to one of a partner in and contributor to international efforts. We have to go through the process of being first a recipient and then a partner in order to finally become the owner of the changes in our country. We are aware that responsibility for healing the consequences of the war and post-war stagnation, and for the removal of impediments to faster stabilization and progress, rest primarily with the political leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in its integration into European and North Atlantic organizations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Third are economic reforms directed to the strengthening of economic activities; establishment of a single economic space; and setting up the conditions for upgraded education, thus offering a choice for our young generations to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina and become an inseparable factor in its development and future. Of course, implementation of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and the continuous adjustment and upgrading of our legal framework according to European standards are the foundation of activities of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels. Once again, I would like to express the gratitude of my Government to the international community for its devoted support of the enduring stability and development of my country.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Therefore, we hope that as early as in 10 years from now, Bosnia and Herzegovina will succeed in becoming a member of the most important political body of the United Nations. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are working daily to live up to the vision of a safer and more peaceful, stable and self-sustaining country. Our efforts are directed toward three main sets of priorities. First is the rule of law, through the speedy implementation of the latest Constitutional Court decisions and through proper judiciary and police actions fighting terrorism and organized crime, combating corruption, arresting indicted war criminals and creating a stable environment for the return of refugees. Second are the further building and strengthening of the State’s institutions.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“The noble goals and accomplishments of our Organization were honoured recently, and I would like to extend sincere and heartiest congratulations to the Secretary-General and the whole of the United Nations for the recognition by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. I would like to inform the Assembly that we have decided to present candidature of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the year 2010. We are convinced that by doing so, we confirm our commitment to contributing fully to the work of the United Nations. It would also be a clear sign of advanced stability and normalization of life in our country, and particularly of our commitment to economic and democratic development.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“We particularly recognize and value the role of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in police reform and the substantial upgrading of the judicial system. The United Nations family of organizations was certainly one of the key players in the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a multiethnic, tolerant and democratic State. Knowing that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the present form will terminate by the end of 2002, we expect the United Nations mission activities to continue in a different form. However, we would like to see a smooth transition without any interruption in these extremely important activities.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“At a time when humanity has reached for the highest objectives but also carried out the worst deeds, there should be no doubt that the United Nations can fulfil its new tasks, confronting old and new challenges, leading in the building of a prosperous world founded no longer on force but on the rule of law, not on a balance of power but on a balance of cooperation. The contribution of the international community in achieving progress in my country, Bosnia and 17 Herzegovina, was particularly visible in the role of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Stabilization Force, the United Nations High Representative, the Peace Implementation Council, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other members of the family of the international community present in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“At the same time, we — and when I say “we”, I mean the international community speaking with one voice, together with local democratic forces, regardless of their current strength — have to have a clear vision of a political solution, accompanied by a programme for social and economic development, once the military intervention is over. Only such a comprehensive approach — military, humanitarian, political and socio- economic — will leave no room for the terrorists to interpret the intervention in Afghanistan as a war against Islam or as a symbol of the clash of civilizations. The terrorists will lose. Without a comprehensive approach, we might be losers, too, by the measure of ethical and universal human values. That is why we have to tackle these areas of future action together, starting today.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was treated by various kinds of fundamentalists and radicals as a problematic and questionable Balkan country because of its multi-ethnic and multicultural nature, I am especially sensitive to the type of terrorism that misuses religious feelings and, in so doing, jeopardizes local societies and global society. The war against terrorists is justified, but all of us will be losers if we fail to do everything we can to help the innocent people who are suffering today. Our experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina teaches us that military intervention, even when complemented by humanitarian assistance, is not enough for a sustainable, long-lasting solution.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“Yes, the fight against all kinds of terrorism must be determined and precise. It has to target terrorists, who must be apprehended and brought to justice. At the same time, we have to do much more when we are talking about quick and massive help to the innocent civilians of Afghanistan. I would like to use this opportunity to recall that my country promptly and resolutely joined the worldwide coalition against terrorism. And I am convinced that, by adopting such a clear position, my country is a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem, in this particular field. I spoke about this more extensively in this same Hall two days ago on the occasion of the meeting devoted to the dialogue among civilizations.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)
“I am grateful for the opportunity to address the General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you, Sir, on your well-deserved election. I would like to join those who spoke before me in expressing my deep condolences to the people of the United States. The date of 11 September will be forever inscribed in our minds and hearts as the symbol of the most blatant affront to civilization and commonly accepted values. Regardless of the brutality of the terrorist attacks directed against innocent civilians, however, they failed in the attempt to polarize the world and to undermine the very foundations of our societies. Those attacks were attacks against all of us, too. We therefore fully support the approach outlined yesterday morning by President Bush.”
2001-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 56 (2001)