YouSaid · the spoken record

Inzko

lines on the record: 398
first: 2009-05-28
most recent: 2019-11-05
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“On the other side, the Republika Srpska authorities continue to refuse to respect judgments of the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Court and Constitutional Court concerning the registration of defence property and the 9 January "Republika Srpska Day" holiday. Additionally, the authorities of several Federation cantons have failed to take necessary steps to ensure the equality of Serbs in those cantons. According to the cantonal constitutions, Serbs do not exist in those cantons. The Constitutional Court has therefore said that this must change. I must also highlight the failure of the authorities to implement decisions of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdic' and Finci and related cases, which leaves in place a system that discriminates against a significant number of citizens to exercise their right to stand for public office.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“All that I have described today is occurring against a backdrop in which the political leaders continue to shirk their obligations with respect to the rule of law, particularly and persistently failing to respect binding decisions of the State judiciary. I have previously mentioned the unimplemented decisions of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court in the Ljubie case and on the electoral system of the city of Mostar, the latter of which has prevented the organization of local elections since 2008. It is inconceivable that a major city in any country that aspires to join the European Union and to be the cultural capital of Europe has not held local elections for over a decade!”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“On the contrary, it has generated a negative spiral of mistrust and unhealthy competition. If the current dynamic escalates further, it could create tensions and divisions, destabilizing the country. Bosnia needs fewer weapons and fewer people in police uniforms, not more. We must do all we can to prevent a police arms race. Instead, authorities at all levels should work towards better cooperation in order to maximize public security and a safe environment for all citizens. Immigration, refugee and asylum policy are the constitutional responsibilities of state institutions, and their capacities should be reinforced. This would be an appropriate example of better cooperation, and I have made that clear in my public statements. Given the region's recent past, these matters deserve the continued attention of the Council.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“This move, interpreted by some as an attempt to build an alternative military force, raised grave concerns in the Federation. In response, the competent parliamentary committee in the Federation has said it would do the same. The issue has also been seen in the light of the previous controversy over the disproportionate purchases of long-barrel weapons by the Republika Srpska police. Recently, a member of the main board of the ruling party in the Republika Srpska wrote that the reserve police is "a replacement for the army of Republika Srpska". The current political discourse related to reserve police forces in the entities, which began with the unilateral steps taken by the Republika Srpska, does not contribute to peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“In contrast to statements from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chair challenging the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting the independence of Republika Srpska, I must acknowledge with pleasure that President Vueie of Serbia has continued to express respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity and sovereignty, most recently at the opening of the Mostar fair on 9 April and following the recent Berlin conference. Another issue that recently emerged and has raised tensions is the possibility of reserve police forces being created in the entities. In April, the Republika Srpska National Assembly moved forward with legislation to create a reserve police force, whose purpose has been variously explained as a response to public security challenges associated with migration or to respond to natural disasters.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“In this context, I must stress that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina establishes that the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. The international community remains unwavering in its commitment to the territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am grateful to Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron for organizing the recent Berlin meeting of Balkan leaders affirming the international community's resolve in this regard.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“In addition to separatist statements from some Republika Srpska political representatives, the main Croat parties persistently reject the judgments of international courts concerning their wartime leadership and seek to revive the structures of that period's para-State. To be clear, they are rejecting the judgments of an international court, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which was created by this very body, the Security Council, in a unanimous vote in 1993. Also, earlier this year the main Bosniak party announced its intention to launch an initiative to challenge the name of Republika Srpska before the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court, which predictably led to further threats of secession.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“To illustrate his intentions, he has on more than one occasion displayed a map of Serbia joined with Republika Srpska and a part of Montenegro as a single State. It is my duty to warn the Council of potential developments, but I would also ask its members how they might react if a regional representative in their own country made such explicit statements and declared part of their country an independent State? The secessionist rhetoric and the long-standing policy of challenging the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina has unfortunately become a constant over the past several years. I therefore believe that we should push back on these negative trends more decisively.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Despite this positive political step, we have also seen a continuation of divisive and destabilizing rhetoric, sometimes from the very same leaders who profess a commitment to the country's European Union (EU) path. This inconsistency poses a serious challenge to Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Presidency Chair Dodik has worked with his fellow Presidency members to find agreement on several important issues, he continues to speak against the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to threaten the future secession of Republika Srpska and to assert that Republika Srpska is a State, for example most recently saying that "we are already separated. It just has not been proclaimed yet." He has also stated that if Kosovo becomes a Member of the United Nations, Republika Srpska would declare independence.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“The international community expects a new Council of Ministers to be formed as quickly as possible, focused on a forward-looking agenda of reforms. Over the past six months, we have continued to see a positive consensus across the political spectrum on the need for the further integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union. This was reflected in February, when the Council of Ministers finalized the follow-up responses to the European Commission questionnaire, and in March when the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chair Milorad Dodik personally delivered the answers to Brussels. As Council members know, there were almost 4,000 questions and, accordingly, 4,000 answers.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Last November (see S/PV.8392), I reported to the Security Council on how the 7 October general elections had defined the political events of the previous months. Now, seven months on from those elections, the process of building coalitions and appointing Governments continue to dominate the political dynamic in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the Republika Srpska and some Federation cantons moved swiftly to form Governments, regrettably there has been no appointment of a State-level Council of Ministers or a Federation Government. Nevertheless, concrete discussions among parties on a state-level coalition appear to be more advanced now, as confirmed in my contacts with key political players before my departure.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Mr. Inzko: Before I start, I would like to take a moment to remember Lord Paddy Ashdown, who passed away in December. As High Representative, Lord Ashdown led the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a critical period, implementing key provisions of the General Framework Agreement for Peace and building and strengthening the institutions crucial to reintegrating the country and its people. Lord Ashdown was quoted as saying about Bosnia and Herzegovina when he left, "It is a place we cannot leave behind". He showed that to be true until the very end of his life: even just days before his passing, Lord Ashdown remained a vocal advocate for the country and a champion of multilateralism in an increasingly complex world.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“After the elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders will have an opportunity for a fresh start for the country, its entities and cantons but, above all, its wonderful citizens.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“And finally, these reforms need to be addressed with a sense of urgency in the light of the huge departure of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, amounting to some 20,000 to 30,000 a year. Despite the absence of these issues from the campaign platforms ofmany ofthe leading parties, once they take power they will not be able to ignore them. Those who declare EU membership as their goal will need to find compromises, support the functionality of the institutions and accelerate the pace of reform. We as an international community can best support the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina by promoting a Vision of the country that recognizes that its integration with Euro-Atlantic structures will also require its leaders to work on integrating its people.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“This also stands in contrast with neighbouring Serbia, whose Parliament adopted an historical declaration condemning the crimes committed in Srebrenica in 2010, a declaration that has remained unchanged and in force. In conclusion, I would like to make a few recommendations not only to be taken up by the incoming Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities, but also to be supported and encouraged by the wider international community. First, measures need to be undertaken immediately to strengthen the rule of law. Secondly, official institutions need to be supported and strengthened in their functionality, independence and stability. Stability is very important to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its future. Thirdly, economic development needs be kick-started.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“In this respect, keeping in mind the fact that two international tribunals have confirmed that genocide was committed in Srebrenica, I consider the repeal by the Government of the Republika Srpska of its earlier 2004 report, which had officially acknowledged the involvement of Republika Srpska military and police forces in the July 1995 events, to be a significant step backwards for reconciliation. As Council members know, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which was created by the Security Council 25 years ago, in 1993, has declared that genocide took place at several locations, and that decision of the ICTY is now being questioned.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“They are symptomatic of the state of the rule of law and the profound disappointment of citizens therein. Besides the elections, another defining political issue of the past six months has been the dramatic rise in migrant arrivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the authorities' response. We have not had such dramatic numbers in past years as we have seen this year. Given Bosnia and Herzegovina's complex constitutional structure and internal political tensions, we need to be aware that this issue could deteriorate in a number of ways - as a humanitarian crisis, in the first instance; from a security point of View; and in terms of the political stability of the country. Regrettably, the reporting period has continued to see a tendency on all sides for some politicians to deny or relativize war crimes and even to glorify war criminals.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“In addition to the issue of unimplemented court decisions, Bosnia and Herzegovina is also facing a problem with deep-rooted public disappointment in the criminal justice system's seeming incapacity to tackle corruption and deal with organized crime. For example, in Banja Luka, daily public protests have continued over seven months, including a demonstration with tens of thousands of citizens in the days before the elections, over what activists allege is a cover-up by the authorities in the suspicious death in March of David Dragicevie. This case of that young student has to be solved urgently, andI will report to the Security Council again on it. This and a similar cases in Sarajevo have raised public outrage, and they are unfortunately not the only such cases.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“Thus, for 10 years no elections were held in the city of Mostar. In this regard, I must call attention to the authorities' ongoing failure since 2009 to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in the so called Sejdie and Finci and related cases, leaving in place severe discrimination against some citizens in exercising their right to stand for public office in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency and House of Peoples. Similarly, a number of cantons in the Federation still have not met their legal obligation to harmonize their Constitutions and to ensure the full equality of Serbs as a constituent people. This too is unacceptable, because in this case we also have a Constitutional Court decision that Serbs are, of course, a constituent people wherever they live.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“In this regard, it is noteworthy that following the submission of an initial 3,300 answers to the European Commission questionnaire during the previous reporting period, the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities are now working on answers to some 650 follow-up questions received in June. Despite this good news, other developments over the past several months have highlighted serious deficiencies in the rule of law. As I have said in past briefings, a lack of respect for the final decisions of the judiciary remains a problem. This was seen in the continued failure to implement the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court's decision in the Ljubic' case, while local elections in the city of Mostar have not been held since 2008 due to another unaddressed Constitutional Court decision.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“They will have significant challenges ahead, and I for one will give them the benefit of the doubt in their ability and willingness to, as the oath of office requires, "to respect the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace and its Annexes in their entirety, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, and protect the interest and equality of all peoples and citizens". Despite the difficult environment, integration with the European Union (EU) has remained a bright spot in the political landscape over the past six months. This is one area where leaders with often competing visions of the country can find common ground.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“While some may have the political goal of wishing to change the current system, this cannot be used to deny the legality of a process conducted in line with the law and the Peace Agreement, nor can it be misused to justify future boycotts or blockages. The election of Mr. Dodik as the Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency has also raised questions, given his past numerous statements against the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, since the elections, he has made some provocative public statements about the Bosnia and Herzegovina flag and the taking of the oath. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that it is not helpful or appropriate to judge the new Presidency before they have even taken office.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“While the process of constituting parliaments and governments is just beginning, the future members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency are already known: Sefik Dzaferovic' of the Party of Democratic Action, Zeljko Komsie of the Democratic Front, and Milorad Dodik Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. Mr. Komsie's defeat of the outgoing Croat Presidency Member Dragan Covie has led a number of officials from the Croat Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina and from neighbouring Croatia to declare the election illegitimate and even illegal or anti-Dayton, despite the fact that it was carried out according to the same rules used in every election since 1995.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“Public trust in the integrity of the electoral system seems to be at an all-time low, and restoring this trust through meaningful improvements must be addressed by the new authorities as an urgent priority. Looking ahead, the announcement of final, certified election results is expected today, after which the period of forming parliaments and Governments will begin. Overall, the main ethnically defined parties seem to have won the most support in the parliaments, although in the Federation, certain multi-ethnic parties appear to have improved their results remarkably since the last elections. As no party has a clear majority, it is too soon to speculate on which coalitions will ultimately be formed at various levels of authority.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“The countries of the Western Balkans should emulate the German/French ideas of common history books, youth exchange programmes, common Government meetings between neighbouring countries and a common television programme, such as the French/German Arte programme. This could be called Arte Balkans. The defining political event of the past six months in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the 7 October general elections. While international observers characterized the poll as genuinely competitive, the preceding months saw a worrying escalation in divisive public rhetoric, including hate speech and voter intimidation. Moreover, the immediate post-election period has been fraught with complaints of election irregularities.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“Mr. Inzko: Before I start, I would like to acknowledge that a number of Central European States - including Poland, the Czech and Slovak Republics and others - are currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of their modern existence. My own country, Austria, will commemorate this date next Monday in a solemn ceremony in the State opera house. Only two days ago, Presidents Macron and Steinmeier commemorated the end of the First World War, which, as Council members know, started with shots in Sarajevo in June 1914. France and Germany, which once seemed eternal adversaries, are now among the main pillars of the European Union. This is a lesson for the people of the Western Balkans that it can be done, lasting peace is achievable and reconciliation must be possible.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source
“I believe that we all want to see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a shining example of tolerance and trust where the traditional common life of all cultures, nations and citizens is possible.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“To begin with, in the current environment, we need to maintain all ofthe tools at our disposal to prevent any further deterioration of the situation. I am thinking here about the civilian and military executive mandates. I also believe that we should be ready to be more prescriptive about the reforms that are needed to take the country forward, and more ready to respond against words and actions by leading political figures when they risk further destabilizing the political and security environment. Lastly, I appeal to everyone as part of the international community to be united in our approach and coordinated in our efforts. After all, we share the same goal: a sovereign, united and decentralized - but also stable and functional - Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“We should not forget the risks of nationalism and extremism on all sides, combined with a growing sense of socioeconomic stagnation in the country. It is for that reason that I believe that the international community needs to urgently increase its efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. The United Nations, along with others, is well placed to play a prominent role in such efforts. Beyond that, there needs to be a change in the way in which politics are conducted within the country. That change needs to come from the politicians themselves, but, as an international community - individually and collectively - we have an interest in encouraging that change.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has made enormous strides since the end of hostilities in 1995 in building its institutions and the establishment of security and normalcy. But we must not take that progress for granted. Although the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain committed to integration with the European Union, that has not yet had an effect on the day-to-day political climate, in which some political figures are all too ready to use irresponsible rhetoric and seem predominantly concerned with maintaining their positions. The risk is that that divisiveness and a sense of unease about the future of the country will slowly seep into the fabric of society. As we all know, many people have left over the past five years, including more than 100,000 young people, because of that insecurity.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Additionally, I recall another long-standing pending Constitutional Court decision and a related decision of the High Representative, which concern the constitutional equality of Serbs within the Federation and which still need to be reflected in three of the cantonal Constitutions after more than 15 years. That means that Serbs are not equal and do not enjoy the same rights in those three cantons. They are not even mentioned in the three cantons' Constitutions, which is really outrageous after 15 years. In that regard, there is also a Constitutional Court decision that has not been respected. In conclusion, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the continued attention and unified effort of the international community.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“I also need to highlight once again the fact that the citizens of Mostar continue to be deprived of the basic democratic right to elect their local representatives * which they have been unable to do for nearly a decade - owing to the failure of the parties in the Parliament to implement a decision of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court related to the Mostar electoral system. I am, however, encouraged by the fact that representatives of several political parties in Mostar have begun meetings at their own initiative in Mostar, in what appears to be a sincere attempt to finally resolve that issue after 10 years. I urge the parties to reach a compromise that would enable the citizens of Mostar to enjoy the same democratic right to elect their local leaders, which the citizens in the rest of the country enjoy.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“As the deadline of six months has passed without the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliament correcting the issue, the Court could soon rule on non-enforcement, thereby leaving the Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary without the tools necessary to combat organized crime and corruption. It is unfortunate that some political parties object to the adoption of amendments in line with international standards. It is also very telling that the parties that oppose the latter are the same ones challenging the State-level institutions in the current arrangement of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“As I speak, the Central Election Commission has announced the holding of general elections on 7 October 2018, although there is no solution to the issue of the House of Peoples has been found in terms of the election law. Another area of concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the deterioration in the rule of law. Prominent elected officials continue to ignore and reject the final and binding decisions of State-level courts, and corruption is prevalent in the political system. Those two elements converged in a recent case concerning the State-level judiciary. In July 2017, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional several provisions of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Criminal Procedure Code.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Following a decision by the Constitutional Court in 2017 deleting provisions of the election law regarding that issue, the State-level Parliament needs to adopt amendments to the law. Otherwise, the process of forming authorities after elections could prove extremely difficult, or even impossible. The European Union and the United States are currently working to facilitate an agreement between the main political parties concerning that issue, and my Office supports them in that effort. But the ultimate responsibility lies with political leaders. A range of possible solutions exists, which could accommodate a compromise, if the main parties are willing to step back from maximalist demands and negotiate in good faith, but time is short.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a single and multi-ethnic sovereign State consisting of two entities, in which all citizens - the three constituent peoples and others - live and work together, and, above all, elected officials have a responsibility to contribute to peace and reconciliation. It is within such a general political climate that Bosnia and Herzegovina is entering another election cycle, with the Central Electoral Commission expected today to announce the next poll for October 2018. Six months ago, I briefed the Council (see S/PV.8089) on the risk of a deeper political crisis that could follow October 2018 elections should the parties fail to agree before then on the rules regulating the indirect election of delegates to one of the Houses of Parliament - the House of Peoples.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Accordingly, there is a general trend of armament under way, and that is a reason for deep concern. I will report on that issue in November. Inflammatory rhetoric has also continued to be used by some senior officials from Republika Srpska denying the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina and advocating for eventual secession. Public comments were also made glorifying convicted war criminals and calling for the return of a Republika Srpska army. Certain Croat officials have mused over the territorial reorganization of the country and threatened the dissolution of the State if the current electoral issues are not resolved to their satisfaction. All public figures must choose their words carefully and responsibly.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“As I have reported in the past, irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric challenging fundamental aspects of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina is not new. We have witnessed the worrisome escalation of such statements in the past six months. As I made clear in my report to the Secretary-General, I am deeply concerned about the more recent readiness among some politicians to refer to the possibility of a renewed conflict, including controversial statements by senior Bosniak politicians suggesting that a rearming effort is under way to respond in preparation for a hypothetical war scenario. Those comments followed controversy earlier in the reporting period about the large-scale purchase of long-barrel, military type weapons by Republika Srpska police and media exposure of nationalist extremist groups.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The country also managed to adopt several strategies and a package of excise tax changes, which unlocked funding from the International Monetary Fund, especially for road construction. Those important developments demonstrate that, when political leaders have a common goal, they make the necessary compromises and find a solution. Unfortunately, such achievements have been few, as many of the most prominent elected officials remain disproportionately focused on nationalistic and divisive issues. At the same time, the authorities and relevant entities at the State level are repeatedly challenged and undermined in a way that runs contrary to the logic of integration within European structures.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Mr. Inzko: Let me begin by thanking the Council and its members for their continued attention to developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As I outlined in my report to the Secretary General (S/2018/416, annex), despite some positive steps taken by the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards Euro-Atlantic integration, which I wholeheartedly welcome and support, the pace of real reform remains slow and our common goal of irreversible stability for the country has not yet been fully achieved. During the reporting period, Bosnia and Herzegovina took an important step towards becoming a candidate country of the European Union when the authorities handed over 20,000 pages of responses to the European Commission's questionnaire in February during President Juncker and Commissioner Hahn's visit to Sarajevo.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Respecting and implementing the decisions of courts and respecting the Dayton Peace Agreement are absolute preconditions for real progress. As an international community, we cannot do any ofthose things on behalfofthe elected leaders ofBosnia and Herzegovina, but we can speak out clearly against attempts to roll back the progress made in integrating Bosnia and Herzegovina and its peoples. And we can support all those who demonstrate a true commitment to making Bosnia and Herzegovina a stable, functional and prosperous country, irreversibly integrated into European structures.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Secondly, it demonstrates to me that, when we are united as an international community in speaking out in support of local actors working to improve their own country, we see results. Looking ahead, the principal challenges for the political leaders and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are clear. First and foremost, they include completing the actions needed to achieve the next steps in Euro-Atlantic integration. Those are the very same measures that will deliver the economic development that is so badly needed for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Secondly, they include taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the 2018 elections can be held and that their results be implemented smoothly. And, finally, there is the rule of law.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Before concluding, I want to mention one more recent positive development that I think reminds us that our efforts are not in vain in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people. Last year, politicians in Central Bosnia Canton adopted an initiative in the regional Parliament to segregate Bosniak and Croat pupils in the local high school in the town of Jajce. However, they quickly encountered determined resistance from a group of vocal students and other citizens of all nationalities. In large part because of that resistance, the planned division of the school did not move forward in September. That example reminds me oftwo things. First, it shows that there is a desire among citizens at the local level for social and institutional integration and for European standards to be applied in the public sphere.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“I believe that we, as the international community, need to re-engage and reinvigorate our efforts more robustly in order to buttress the rule of law, including through stronger anti-corruption efforts. In the light of the many internal challenges still present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I believe that the international community should retain all of the instruments at its disposal to maintain stability. Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a complex political and security environment in which negative scenarios can quickly endanger the Dayton Peace Agreement and the progress achieved so far. For that reason, I am firmly convinced that there is still the necessity to maintain the EU military force on the ground with an executive mandate.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“One final example: some of the cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have failed to amend their Constitutions to include guaranteeing the status of Serb peoples and the Serb language, despite a legal requirement since 2002 to do so. All of those issues need to be addressed. Of course, problems with the rule of law go much deeper in terms of corruption in the political system, the large public sector and the provision of basic services to the public. Those deficiencies in the rule of law contribute to the large exodus of talented young people from the country, which strengthens the forces of nationalism and division. The Dayton Peace Agreement defines Bosnia and Herzegovina as a State governed by the rule of law.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“Those include the continued failure to implement the rulings made in 2009 by the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie and Finci and related cases. As a result, under the current system, certain groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina - such as Jews and Roma peoples - have been discriminated against for over two decades in their right to hold political office. In the city of Mostar, citizens have been unable to elect local representatives during the past two electoral cycles because the two main political parties in the city have been unwilling to implement the Constitutional Court's decision on the electoral system.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“However, that National Assembly also adopted conclusions that pose gravely concerning issues. They again incorrectly assert that Republika Srpska is a State and that it has the right to hold referendums on matters within the clear competence of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to emphasize that the Republika Srpska authorities only have the right to make decisions on matters that fall under their own constitutional responsibilities - including through referendums. That is clearly not the case when it comes to the laws concerning judicial institutions at State level or decisions made by the High Representative. Many of the problems that we see in Bosnia and Herzegovina serve to highlight a more general long- term trend of diminishing regard for the rule of law by those in authority.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“In the past I have reported to the Security Council on another potential challenge to the Dayton Peace Agreement and the sovereignty of the country, namely, the decision to hold a referendum in the entity of Republika Srpska on the State's judicial institutions and the authorities of the High Representative. When that issue arose in 2015, I made it clear that such a referendum would violate annexes 4 and 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement. At the time, the European Council also said that such a referendum would "challenge the cohesion, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Yesterday, the Republika Srpska National Assembly formally took out of force the decision made in 2015 to hold that referendum - a decision that should never have been made in the first place.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“For example, in October, the Republika Srpska National Assembly adopted a resolution that asserts the entity's neutrality Vis-a-vis integration with NATO and attempts to redefine the position and obligations of the Republika Srpska under the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular under the Constitution, which is set forth in annex 4 of the Peace Agreement. In response, I have been clear that the General Framework Agreement for Peace, including the Constitution, prevails over any act adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly and that foreign policy is the exclusive responsibility of the State's institutions. Furthermore, in my View - and this stands for other issues as well - decisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina's State Presidency remain valid until they are amended by subsequent acts.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source
“The President of Republika Srpska has called for Serb judges to withdraw from State judicial institutions and made it clear that entity institutions will not implement decisions of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina related to the State's right to own real estate within Republika Srpska territory. That is part of a campaign to assert that Bosnia and Herzegovina derives its sovereignty only from the entities and that it is not a real State. In practice, it involves challenging the competence of the State to deal with almost any issue, and that has led to paralysis on a number of concrete reforms needed for the country to advance on its path of Euro-Atlantic integration.”
2017-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8089 (2017) · source