YouSaid · the spoken record

Drobnjak

lines on the record: 486
first: 1993-04-19
most recent: 2019-07-23
sittings or episodes: 54
sources: un-security-council

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

“Croatia welcomes this opportunity to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the outset, I would like to welcome the High Representative, Mr. Valentin Inzko, and thank him for his report (S/2018/974, annex) and briefing today. High Representative Inzko pointed out in his report that the Dayton Agreement guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the internal constitutional position of the entities and that three constituent peoples are equal. That should be our point of departure for today's debate.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“Before concluding, allow me to stress that the issue of missing persons is at the top of Croatia's agenda, which aims to take all measures to account for persons who perished, or remain missing, and provide their family members with any information on their fate. To that end, the strengthening of cooperation among States in the region is of the utmost importance, which includes the opening of all archives - something for which Serbia still does not show readiness. We find the Mechanism to be well-placed to play a supportive role in that regard. Finally, let me conclude by stating that Croatia remains firmly committed to the development of good relations and cooperation with neighbouring States, and we strongly support their aspirations towards European Union membership based on full compliance with the membership conditions.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We have every confidence that the prosecution will provide the Trial Chamber with enough evidence to determine beyond any doubt Stanisie and Simatovie's criminal responsibility in the armed conflict in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as their role in the joint criminal enterprise as established by the ICTY in the case of aggression against Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are convinced that a similar joint criminal enterprise with the purpose of establishing an ethnically homogeneous Serbian State in Bosnia and Herzegovina by criminal means will also be determined in the final judgements in the Karadeic' and Mladic cases.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“As confirmed by the ICTY and the Mechanism's judgements, hate speech and outrageous statements can result in catastrophic consequences, instigating war crimes and crimes against humanity. Politicians and high-level officials bear particular responsibility for unmasking such statements, their full meaning and contextualization, as well as for their absolute rejection and condemnation. That is precisely what we expect from Serbian officials, exposing Seselj's words for what they really are, that is, evil gibberish of a convicted war criminal. Croatia pays great attention to the remaining cases before the Mechanism, in particular the Prosecutor v. Stanisic' and Simatovie case.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“Part of that practice is revisionism, with its devastating effects on the stability of the region. Croatia therefore strongly condemns threats that Vojislav Seselj, a convicted war criminal and current member of the Serbian National Assembly, made against the representatives of Croats in Vojvodina, Serbia. When he was interviewed only a few hours after the Appeals Chamber sentenced him to 10 years in prison for crimes against humanity against Croats in Vojvodina in 1992, Seselj openly stated that he would readily repeat the crimes he was convicted of, and of which he is proud. Regrettably, Serbian authorities remained silent to those repeated outrageous outbursts of hate against the Croatian minority in Vojvodina and beyond, and Mr. Seselj is still sitting on the Serbian Parliament, contrary to Serbia's own legislation.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“I will not enter into legal and other reasoning behind that well- established legal standard, but will only briefly remind the Council and the participants in the discussion of the main principle of criminal law - everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty by the competent court in an inter partes procedure according to law. In addition, there is no legitimate interest or significant justification for naming unindicted co-conspirators in the ICTY or Mechanism's judgements, or in the formal statements of its highest officials. We are deeply concerned about the widespread practice throughout the region of denying past wrongdoing - a practice that goes hand-in-hand with the glorification of war criminals and the crimes committed.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“In the same vein, with a view to resolving existing open issues in that area, the Croatian Minister of Justice invited his Bosnian- Herzegovinian colleague to Zagreb for a meeting, which we expect to take place next week. With respect to the reports we have before us (see S/2018/347 and S/2018/471), I have to stress that the practice of naming unindicted co-conspirators in a joint criminal enterprise is contrary in particular to the European legal tradition, but also to the practice of a number of American courts. That practice explicitly goes against the main human rights standards and rules, such as the right to a fair trial or the right to a good name and reputation. That is particularly the case when the named persons are deceased and do not have the possibility to review the judgement in a separate procedure.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“It implies trust among the States concerned and goes hand-in-hand with a willingness and sincere commitment on the part of all States to prosecute war crimes, without any double standards or exemptions in relation to their nationals or members of certain national groups. As just mentioned by the Serbian Minister of Justice in her statement, in a recent meeting between the Croatian and Serbian Ministers of Justice - conducted in a spirit of readiness to enhance cooperation - there was agreement on the establishment of two joint committees: one would work on bilateral agreement on cooperation regarding the prosecution of war crimes, and the other on the exchange oflists ofpersons accused or convicted of war crimes.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We underline the need for Serbia to fully cooperate with the Mechanism, including by fully accepting and implementing all of its rulings and decisions. In addition, bearing in mind Serbia's continuous disregard for some of the decisions of the ICTY and the Mechanism, it would be contrary to the main principles and interests of justice to hand over to Serbia the case Prosecutor v. Petar Jojic' et al. Cooperation with the Mechanism, as previously with the Tribunal, as well as regional cooperation among the States concerned pertaining to war-crime issues have no alternative. Nonetheless, it has to be emphasized that regional cooperation is not a one-way street.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“It is pivotal that they establish independent and impartial judiciaries and show restraint when it comes to any form of manipulation in investigations and prosecution processes in all types of cases, either those initiated by domestic prosecutors or those transferred to national courts by the ICTY. In order to persist on this path and deliver results, a strong political commitment is required, as well as a more decisive approach in processing war crimes, in particular those related to the highest military ranks. Similarly, full cooperation with the Mechanism is essential, and, in that regard, the EU's principled and consistent conditionality policy serves as a strong impetus, but also as an essential control mechanism. We remain very concerned that Serbia's lack of cooperation with the Tribunal continues with the Mechanism as well.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“It is worth repeating that an important part of Croatia's accession to the European Union (EU) 4 and we shall soon celebrate the fifth anniversary of our EU membership - was a thorough reform of the Croatian judicial system. The reform included creating the specialized War Crimes Chambers and aligning it with the highest international war crimes prosecution standards. Full and unequivocal cooperation with the ICTY was an essential part and parcel of Croatia's EU accession process, and we have spared no effort in meeting all ICTY's cooperation requests. That is precisely the approach that we expect from all States in the region, especially from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We have placed our trust in the Tribunal to serve as a shield against the extreme level of brutality exercised during the aggression and to properly punish the perpetrators of the worst crimes committed in Europe since the Second World War. With that purpose in mind, from the very beginning of the ICTY's work, in 1993, until its closure, at the end of 2017, Croatia closely and fully cooperated with the Tribunal. Unfortunately, after more than 25 years, a significant number of victims and their families still have not found long-awaited justice. Croatia therefore fully supports the Mechanism and its continued efforts to bring to justice the most prominent perpetrators of the horrible crimes committed during the 1990s on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Croatia did not hesitate to do its part in ensuring accountability.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“I welcome the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Meron, as well as Prosecutor Brammertz, and I thank them for today's briefings. I would like to assure you, Mr. President, and the highest officials of the MICT present in the Chamber today, of Croatia's full support for the mission and work of the Mechanism. As a victim of the brutal aggression in 19905, during which numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed on its territory and against its people, Croatia was a strong supporter of the establishment of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) .”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, as it is evident that there is a real need for strategic coordination and leadership for our global counter-terrorism efforts. In conclusion, the United Nations plays a central role in cases of flagrant violations of international law, including the judicial settlement of disputes through the International Court of Justice. In our view, with regard to strengthening respect for international obligations, which are critical for the maintenance of peace and security, it is crucial to have unity among all members of the Security Council. Organizing Arria Formula meetings of the Council with relevant persons or global non-governmental organizations and open debates on specific topics, such as today's, can contribute to that goal.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“In that context, we particularly stress the importance of scrupulous interpretation and rigorous application of existing international humanitarian law in the processes in front of those bodies, as well as strict observance of due process guarantees. Only justice that is sufficiently expeditious and competent beyond any doubt can bring relief to the victims, rigorously confront the perpetrators with their deeds and ensure responsibility. As a State party to the Rome Statute, Croatia strongly supports the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and invites all stakeholders to be accountable for their commitments to the ICC. As a member of the Human Rights Council, we advocate strengthening its links with the Security Council. We also acknowledge the importance of the principle of the responsibility to protect.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“As a victim of aggression in the first half of the 1990s, Croatia has gained an in-depth understanding and first-hand knowledge of peacebuilding and post-war recovery in all its aspects. We stand ready to share that valuable experience. Croatia strongly supports the full and unequivocal implementation of all applicable rules of international humanitarian law and criminal law, as well as all efforts aimed at ending the culture of impunity, which includes, among others elements, the full investigation and punishment of all atrocities. Accountability for crimes is extraordinarily pertinent to our times. Croatia greatly values the contributions of international courts and tribunals in advancing the rule of law at the international and national levels.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Croatia believes that when addressing conflicts and crises it is important to have a global, comprehensive approach based on solidarity and a coordinated international effort under strong United Nations leadership. Such an approach would include political, humanitarian, socioeconomic, stabilization and security elements, and reconstruction goes hand in hand with an efficient judiciary and a culture of accountability. Croatia recognizes the critical importance of the rule of law in post-conflict peacebuilding, peacekeeping and conflict prevention activities, and fully supports greater coherence and mobilization of the United Nations system-wide expertise on that issue. We continue to promote the centrality of the rule of law in the daily efforts of conflict-affected countries to ensure sustainable peace and development.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“That is as important for peace as it is for development, economic prosperity and human rights. We believe that all disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and in conformity with international law. In addressing crises across the globe, our focus should be on early warning, prevention and diplomacy. While a consistent approach to conflicts by the United Nations, and in particular by the Security Council, is essential for the Organization's credibility, copied-and-pasted, one-size-fits-all approaches are not the most effective way to proceed. In understanding the situation and risks on the ground, we must above all draw on the knowledge and experience of local populations, neighbouring countries and regional organizations. Respect for the legal traditions of every Member State is an essential part of that.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“I want to thank the Polish presidency for holding this open debate on this highly important topic. The multitude of speakers today is testimony to that importance. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union, and I will add some remarks from our national point of view. Upholding international law and adhering to and faithfully implementing its rules and principles are practices that play an indispensable role in lasting peace and security worldwide and to which we are deeply attached. Negligence and rejection of the rule of law weaken State institutions and undermine their independence, impartiality and effectiveness. Croatia places great emphasis on peace, justice and strong institutions as an inseparable part of all three United Nations pillars.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“For that, a comprehensive electoral process in October is indispensable. Croatia will continue to advocate a sharp and permanent focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina at the European and international levels. Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves our constant attention and assistance in order to unleash its full and untapped potential.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The holding of elections and the implementation of their results, including proper functioning of the institutions, is an essential democratic requirement for any country. Therefore, the political leaders should be aware of the responsibility they carry for the future of their homeland. People today, especially the young, are voting with their feet. Political apathy will only add to the sense of despondency caused by the socioeconomic situation, as the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still falling short of the expectations of its citizens. Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves a better future. In conclusion, we sincerely hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina will find the strength and the prudence to overcome the present political impasse and proceed more efficiently on the path of EU and NATO integration.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“As mentioned in the EU statement, the election of the members of the Presidency will be addressed after the October elections. Let me add to that: it could and should be addressed even sooner - as soon as possible - with all due urgency. That will depend primarily on the genuine readiness of all parties concerned, and Croatia strongly supports efforts in that regard. What Bosnia and Herzegovina needs today is not the inflammatory rhetoric of certain political groups, but the Wisdom to embrace the fundamental principles and political features of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are deeply rooted in the country's complex history and essential for its prosperous future. The country's Central Election Commission has called for the October general elections.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The urgent adoption of that reform, following the rulings by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Ljubie case and in the case of the city of Mostar, is not just necessary but of paramount importance for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the post-election implementation of electoral results. That reform should ensure proportionate and legitimate representation of the constituent peoples at all levels of Government, enforcing in particular specific electoral provisions on the Federation House of Peoples, as well as the election of members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, an overarching electoral reform is needed in order to keep the pillars of the peoples' equality alive and preserve the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“In that regard, Croatia would like to echo the European Parliament's resolutions on the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 and 2016, which point out that Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be a successful candidate for EU membership until appropriate institutional conditions have been established based on the principles of federalism, decentralization and legitimate and proportionate representation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is fast approaching general elections in October 2018. This period is crucial for delivering results of inter-party dialogue for electoral reform.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“As an EU and NATO member State, Croatia will continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its EU membership ambition, while extending our full political support and technical expertise and assistance. Advancement in that process is of the utmost importance - not only because it is the best investment in the country's future, but because it is also a way to help to overcome difficult burdens of the past. Bosnia and Herzegovina's road towards the European Union is of the highest order, but it is burdened with many hurdles.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Today Croatia provides Bosnia and Herzegovina with strong assistance in education, health care and basic services. Our trade exchange amounts to almost â‚¬2 billion per year, making Croatia the first trade partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of imports into the country, and the second regarding exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia is also the leading foreign investor, with over â‚¬1 billion in investments in the real sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. That all points towards one conclusion: for Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is much more than a neighbour. Bosnia and Herzegovina is our partner, and we wholeheartedly support it in building a better future for all its citizens.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Upon the request from the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in accordance with our bilateral agreements, Croatia provided decisive military assistance, thereby preventing the fall of the city of Bihac' and a repetition of the Srebrenica genocide. In a word, Croatia played a pivotal role in ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enabling the Dayton Peace Agreement. As a signatory of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Croatia bears special responsibility for the well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina and remains unequivocally committed to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country, as well as to the equality of its three constituent peoples with full respect towards the rights of the others. Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration in the European Union and NATO remains our strategic goal.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Croatia was among the first States to recognize the independence and the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the hardest of times during the aggression of the Slobodan Milosevic regime and the Yugoslav People's Army in the first half of the 1990s. Croatia played a crucial role in the birth and survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent State. That is an established historical fact. We must look towards the future, but history should not be forgotten: during the war in the 1990s Croatia sheltered hundreds of thousands of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and provided humanitarian assistance in many ways, from logistics and equipment, to medical care.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Against that background, the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement was, and still is, the anchor of stability and peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton Peace Agreement codified the fundamental principle upon which Bosnia and Herzegovina stands: there are three constituent peoples who are equal owners of sovereignty and political legitimacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks should be equal in every respect, including exercising the same responsibility in safeguarding the functionality and stability of this multi-ethnic and multi-religious country The Dayton Peace Agreement provides a pivotal institutional and constitutional framework for that.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Croatia welcomes this discussion. Following the statement by the observer of the European Union (EU), I shall make some additional remarks in my national capacity. Let me start by welcoming the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Valentin Inzko, and by thanking him for his report (S/2017/922, annex) and briefing today. The period ahead of us will be of key importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina. With that in mind, we need to emphasize once again that a stable, peaceful and united Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the genuine institutional equality of its three constituent peoples and all citizens, is a generator of stability for South- Eastern Europe and beyond.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, let me point out that sexual violence in conflict is such a multifaceted issue that can be discussed at much greater length, including relating to forced displacement, forced marriages, sexual slavery and the plight of children born of wartime rape. At the core of our efforts to stop this horrendous crime lies our commitment to conflict prevention and addressing root causes of human rights violations. Croatia welcomes the emphasis on the urgency of ensuring that sexual violence considerations are explicitly and consistently reflected in prevention efforts and detecting early-warning signs, as well as in peace processes, ceasefires and peace agreements, alI security sector reform and other processes in which the United Nations is involved, as well as in sanctions regimes.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Clear guidance on how to operationalize the protection of civilians mandate, including the protection ofwomen and girls from sexual violence, is also needed for peacekeeping missions. We have the opportunity to use United Nations expertise, including such human rights mechanisms as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women. We also need to achieve greater progress in ensuring the adequate participation of women in peace talks. Peace accords that fail to include women in post-conflict governance often hinder their access to economic opportunities, justice and reparations.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“In that context, Croatia strongly supports the Secretary-General's efforts to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel, and has contributed to these efforts by signing the voluntary compact on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse. With a special purpose to strengthen the role of women in peace missions and operations, and in line with the pledge given at the Summit on United Nations Peacekeeping in September 2014, for the past three years Croatia has organized predeployment trainings of women police officers from countries that contribute to United Nations peacekeeping missions. So far, a total of 35 women police officers from 19 countries of Africa, Asia and Europe have participated in this training programme, the fourth version of which will be held in May.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Croatia has taken steps to integrate the gender perspective into the national foreign and security policy through its national policy for the promotion of gender equality and its first national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), adopted in 2011. We are currently in the process of developing our second national action plan, which is expected to be adopted in the first half of this year and will cover both our domestic and international activities. Particular attention has been paid to gender-related elements in regular police and military education, as well as in the predeployment training of civilian and military personnel, with a special focus on prevention and response to sexual violence, and a zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Despite specific prohibitions against sexual violence in treaty and customary international law, as well as the political momentum and visibility gained in recent years, sexual violence in armed conflicts and other situations of violence continue to spread around the world. It is thus essential that we address the problem comprehensively. Croatia therefore pays particular attention to ensuring that the guiding norms and principles of the women and peace and security agenda are integrated into our national policies and practices. Our continued engagement in women and peace and security rests on our firm belief that the full realization of women's rights is an indispensable basis for safeguarding basic human rights and achieving lasting peace and security.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“As the punishment of perpetrators remains a priority for Croatia, the Law on the Rights of the Victims of Sexual Violence in the Homeland War, adopted in 2015, provides victims with support, recognition and compensation, even if the perpetrators are never found or brought to justice. However, our experience also teaches us that advanced legal frameworks and international agreements are in themselves not enough if attitudes do not change. Beyond laws, we have to change hearts and minds and challenge cultural and social norms to get to a point where the victim receives the support of the community and the perpetrator is the one who is stigmatized, excluded and penalized by the whole community. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/250) paints a grim picture.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Developments since that time have clearly shown that sexual violence adds to ethnic and other divisions, entrenches conflict and instability and leaves horrendous physical and psychological scars not only on its victims, but also on entire families and societies. However, sexual violence remains the least condemned crime from the wars of the 1990s, before both the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and national courts. In my own country, Croatia, rape was used as a method of intimidation and terror during the aggression to which we were exposed. Some 2,500 people - mostly women but also men - are estimated to have suffered severe forms of sexual violence during the Homeland War. Most of these cases remain unprosecuted and perpetrators continue to go unpunished.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the Peruvian presidency of the Council for holding this important debate, and all the briefers for their statements. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and that delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. I shall make some additional remarks in my national capacity. It is well known that sexual violence has been used for centuries as a tactic of war, but the wars on the territory ofthe former Yugoslavia - in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo - were among the first to bring reports of mass rape and other sexually violent crimes into the public eye.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Croatia advocates, and will continue to advocate, for a strong and permanent focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina at the European and international level. It can never be emphasized enough - Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves our full and constant attention, and we should spare no effort to untap its vast, yet underused, potential.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Although the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still falling short of the expectations of its citizens, the positive trends must be followed and expanded. For its part, Croatia will continue with its assistance in this domain as well. Croatia continues to support the executive mandate of the European Union-led peacekeeping force Althea. Its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is equally important for the maintenance of a safe and secure environment, as it is vital for capacity-building and training. However, this mission was not meant to last forever. In conclusion, we sincerely hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina will find the strength and prudence to overcome the present political impasse and proceed more efficiently on the path of EU and NATO integration.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Considering all the words and deeds of Bosnia and Herzegovina's politicians in the past six months, it is surprising, to say the least, that the High Representative chose a particular situation in Mostar as the most significant, and the only one, to be reported under the aforesaid title. We note with satisfaction the gradual improvement of the economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia's main trade partner. Last year, the total commodity exchange between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to â‚¬1.8 billion. One-fifth of Croatia's overall foreign direct investments is flowing to our neighbour and has already surpassed â‚¬1 billion, making Croatia one of the top three investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“On the other hand, it is utterly wrong to try to compare the secessionist rhetoric and actions of Republika Srpska leaders and institutions with the Croats' efforts to obtain genuine equality with the two other constituent peoples. The Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina have so far demonstrated the highest level of support for their country and its Euro-Atlantic ambitions. This fact is often overlooked and certainly not valued enough by those whose duty it is to objectively analyse the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before concluding, I would like to make a brief comment regarding the High Representative's report, in particular the part titled "Glorification of war criminals".”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“The secessionist statements and divisive actions on the part of Republika Srpska politicians are not only endangering the very stability and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but are also derailing the country off the track towards much-needed reforms. In addition, they are moving Bosnia and Herzegovina farther away from its NATO Partnership for Peace path, to which Republika Srpska representatives committed themselves in 2005, through the Republika Srpska National Assembly conclusions, and to which Bosnia and Herzegovina committed itself in October 2009 by formally requesting activation of the NATO membership action plan.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Some are also hoping that the international community might impose a solution, as it has done in the past, but that is not the right way forward. Instead, we are interested in seeing the political ability and administrative capacity of Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions to deal with challenges and come up with appropriate and effective solutions. While fully cherishing the principle of the independence of the judiciary, we cannot remain silent regarding some of the recent conclusions of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To allow for the possibility of dismissing judges or prosecutors without any prior independent investigation or disciplinary procedure would be tantamount to trampling on the basic principle of the independence and impartiality of judiciary.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“That is the basic precondition for faster progress towards a fully functional country that is focused on its future rather than its past. Croatia is concerned that the ruling coalition may no longer be able to push any legislation, such as the vital amendments to the election law, through the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament. That is why we should not shy away from encouraging all political options in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make serious efforts to address this extremely important issue. Some in Bosnia and Herzegovina expect that the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina will solve the problem. However, the Commission is solely administrative in its scope and nature, and finding solutions to political questions is too great a burden for a body with no adequate legitimacy for that particular purpose.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“What Bosnia and Herzegovina needs today is far less inflammatory rhetoric and many more reforms aimed at the strengthening of institutions in general and of the judiciary in particular, fewer divisions and a more consolidated approach to present challenges: less past and more future. Reform of the election law remains essential, especially against the background of the upcoming parliamentary elections, in 2018. The improvement of the electoral framework should be approached with a sense of urgency, as requested by the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Ljubie case and its decision on the city of Mostar. It should enable the full implementation of the principle of the equality ofthe three constituent peoples - Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs - and their right to legitimate representation.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“The entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement on 1 June 2015 was a ground- breaking step in the country's process of European integration, providing Bosnia and Herzegovina with a contractual relationship with the EU. Two years later, in spite of the initial implementation of the reform agenda, much remains to be done. At this juncture, providing comprehensive, high-quality answers to all questions contained in the European Commission's opinion questionnaire, essential for presenting Bosnia and Herzegovina with EU candidate country status, seems to be the most important next step.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Croatia will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its EU membership ambition and to extend its full political support and technical assistance and expertise. Advancement in this process is of the highest importance and is not only the best investment in the country's future but also a way to help overcome the difficult burdens of the past. In this regard, Croatia would like to echo the European Parliament's resolutions on the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 and 2016, which state out that the country will not be a successful candidate for EU membership until the appropriate institutional conditions have been established, on the basis of the principles of federalism, decentralization and legitimate representation.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“The Prime Minister of Croatia has Visited Bosnia and Herzegovina seven times in the past 12 months. In addition, we held a joint session of the Government of Croatia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the beginning of July. This speaks volumes as to how high Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the list of Croatia's priorities. For Croatia, neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina is much more than a trading partner and the 1,000 kilometres of land border that we share. A stable, peaceful and united Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the genuine institutional equality of its three constituent peoples and all citizens, is a generator of stability in South-East Europe and beyond.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Croatia aligns itself with the statement that has just been delivered by the observer of the European Union (EU). I shall make some additional remarks in my national capacity. Let me start by welcoming the High Representative, Mr. Valentin Inzko, and thanking him for his report and briefing today. It has been said often during our debates on this important topic but has to be emphasized once again that as a signatory to the Dayton Peace Agreement, Croatia bears a special responsibility for the stability and well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country. Its integration into the European Union and NATO remains our strategic goal.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source