YouSaid · the spoken record

Schmidt

lines on the record: 47
first: 2022-05-11
most recent: 2023-05-10
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“Without that, Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot move forward towards the European Union, to the detriment of all of its citizens. That needed move towards the EU and the adoption European standards could involve the Dayton Agreement, step by step, if and when necessary. I value dialogue and openness with the political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional interlocutors. I am hopeful for the country’s future within the European family. A lot of young people are leaving, but some are staying. Those who are staying do not agree with the current situation. They are invited to work for a better future and greater involvement. That could bring great momentum to the country. My report shows some problematic developments, but is also very hopeful.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“The Honourable Reis- ul-Ulema, head of the Islamic Community, has been personally attacked and humiliated in wartime and is now very engaged in interreligious dialogue and reconciliation. I appreciate that, and underscore the need for interreligious dialogue, which we should support. As the international community, we have to renew the promise we made to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995 — never again. Those who put peace at stake deserve a clear answer. If we say never again, we must act in line with our promise. In conclusion, I will underscore one message only: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable. Borders within the country do not and will not exist. Respect for the country’s constitutional, legal and institutional framework is the cornerstone of long-lasting peace, stability and progress.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“That is especially the case with the returnees. Social exclusion and discrimination against the Roma remain widespread, particularly in housing, employment, education and access to health services. More efforts are needed to combat discrimination and promote tolerance in the interest of fostering stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All those who suffered as a consequence of the war want to be reassured that peace will be protected. Political and religious leaders have a particular sensitivity for that need. Here I want to highlight the contribution of the Honourable Reis-ul-Ulema, head of the Islamic Community. His statements often express the fears of those relying on him. In those cases, we have to listen. We see that there is a lot of uncertainty and that the people feel unsafe.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a complex problem encompassing many issues and groups. Ethnic minorities and persons who do not belong to any constituent people, referred to as “Others” — in the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina — are banned from certain public offices, which are reserved for constituent peoples. I therefore call upon political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to launch comprehensive constitutional and legal reforms in order to tackle this problem and to implement the relevant decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. By introducing new legislation and constitutional amendments against discrimination we can address the shortfalls of Annex 4 of the Dayton Agreement, which is the State Constitution. Minorities often face ethnic and religious discrimination.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“When asked about the reasons for migration, many people refer to widespread corruption, nepotism, segregated education, divided society and the limited job market. The overall participation of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina in executive and legislative positions remains low. Yet there were some appointments of women to high-level political positions after the October 2022 elections. I am speaking here of Her Excellency Ms. Željka Cvijanović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Her Excellency Ms. Borjana Krišto, Chair of the Council of Ministers, and Ms. Lidija Bradara, President of the Federation. Women comprise around 20 per cent of the State- and entity-level parliaments. The balance in the executive authorities is even worse, especially at the local level.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Those who were convicted and served their sentence in prison should remain silent in public, save to speak about redress in a manner respectful of the victims. School curriculums that differ along ethnic lines cannot overcome the shadows of the past. The diversity of the constituent people must be respected, but there must also be space for citizens who do not belong to such ethnic groups. Disunity in foreign and defence policy is another shortcoming in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would be beneficial for the country if the three members of the presidency agreed more often on common foreign policy positions, in the interests of the country and all its citizens. In the face of continued instability, people — especially young people — are leaving the country in record numbers. Political participation among youth is low.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“When it comes to the prosecution of war crimes, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most advanced country in the region. But even now, after the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has done its work, the prosecution of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity needs the full support of the international community, because there are thousands of cases to be processed. War criminals convicted by an international court must be entered into the national criminal records. I welcome the efforts to create a legal basis for this, and I am very ready to support them. I am working closely with the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Remembrance, memorialization and truth-telling for future generations are preconditions for peaceful coexistence among the various groups in the country. Without that, this country cannot transition from a post- war society to a modern, unified, democratic nation. With that understanding, I amended the law on the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial Centre on 20 February, so that the Centre can broaden and intensify its engagement. I am glad that the city of Mostar recently changed the names of streets that had been named after leading members of the Ustasha, a regime in the Second World War. I want to add that on the regional level, I have been seeing a lot of commitments by mayors, municipalities and non-governmental organizations to dealing with the issue, but a great deal remains to be done.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“In the study, a war veteran stated that the war in Ukraine triggers flashbacks, saying “I have stopped watching news from Ukraine — I cannot.” Traumas remain widespread and often unaddressed in Bosnia and Herzegovina owing to a lack of institutional resources. I call on the members of the international community to support the national efforts to heal the widespread traumas in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s society. I also call for funding — public, private or other — to assist the people who have suffered and are suffering the most. In that context I want to point to the contributions that are already being provided by United Nations agencies to specifically support such people, and we should continue on that path. The denial of the Srebrenica genocide and the glorification of war criminals continue to be a problem.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“As for the economy, growth continues despite challenges such as increased inflationary pressure. In previous years, uncertain and inadequate financing affected Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions’ ability to carry out their legal obligations. In that regard, the adoption of an increased budget is a very positive development. Trust-building is an indispensable element of the efforts to ensure sustainable peace and progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A recent analysis by the website Balkan Insight shows that the war in Ukraine and the pandemic have aggravated the situation of traumatized people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Little progress has been made in implementing the 5+2 agenda, apart from budget adoptions at various levels, which contribute to fiscal sustainability, as well as some positive developments in the Brčko district. Bosnia and Herzegovina still faces considerable challenges regarding State and defence property, the rule of law and various aspects of fiscal sustainability. There is an attempt to follow the European Union’s proposals to implement European standards, but it is progressing very, very slowly. We expect — and this is a political observation — that with the Government now enforcing it at full capacity it can hopefully speed up a bit. The Office of the High Representative remains committed to working with the authorities to achieve those goals.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Any step in that direction would have perilous implications, putting the 28 years of peace and progress at direct risk. We cannot step aside and allow divisive political tactics to endanger the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the cohesion of its society. I welcome the reassurances by the neighbouring States of Serbia and Croatia that they fully respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am also grateful for the continued presence of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-Althea). As a Dayton institution, it is the military counterpart to the Office of the High Representative and a confidence-building measure and necessary tool for safeguarding peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR-Althea’s role remains critical.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“That was the case with the law on immovable property adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly, a law that I suspended on 27 February. The Constitutional Court has since annulled that legislation. If the State, entities, cantons and municipalities can find a solution to the issue of State property, everybody will benefit, and nobody will lose. On 22 March, in a joint statement by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, the ambassadors expressed deep concern about the recent developments in Republika Srpska. I think that in that regard international partners must continue to respond with a united position. The State Constitution guarantees the existence of both entities and Brčko but prohibits an entity from seceding or unifying with another State.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina must not become a country divided between authoritarianism in one entity and democracy in the other. Furthermore, the question of State property still needs to be resolved in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it should be done by consensus. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only post- Yugoslav State that has not yet succeeded in settling the questions from its Yugoslav heritage. It seems that there is an intention to gain domestic support by misinterpreting legal and political facts and by claiming that resolving the issue of State and defence property would challenge the very existence of Republika Srpska. The entity authorities continue to disregard the final and binding decisions of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court by attempting to regulate the matter, in violation of those decisions.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“None of those measures can be reconciled with the Dayton Agreement. They clearly endanger the State institutions and the country’s unity. On 6 March, in a letter to Radovan Višković, the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, President Dodik promoted an erroneous and misleading interpretation of the Dayton Agreement and the constitutional framework. He disregards the explicit provisions of the Constitution that uphold the principle of continuity between the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina — a principle that has been reaffirmed on many occasions by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within Republika Srpska, new legislation and initiatives promoted by the ruling coalition are shrinking the space for civil society and independent media.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“I am particularly worried about a joint statement signed by the ruling parties of Republika Srpska on 24 April. The statement appears to be an action plan for secession. It mentions that the two entities own State property exclusively and conduct legislation that is not at State level, and it rejects the authority of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The signatories oblige Republika Srpska representatives in the country’s institutions to suspend decision-making at the State level until the Republika Srpska Government and Parliament approve their decisions. The statement calls for the Serb judges to withdraw from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court. It also calls for establishing a police unit to conduct so-called border monitoring between the entities.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Despite that, the adoption of anti-discriminatory legislation remains one of the most important tasks before the Government so that the Sejdić and Finci group of cases and others can be implemented in the near future. One of the key challenges to the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement comes from the other entity, Republika Srpska, and the developments there are not business as usual. The secessionist positioning and rhetoric of the entity’s leadership have dramatically increased in the reporting period. Republika Srpska’s President, Milorad Dodik, openly advocates for the independence of Republika Srpska and has even spoken publicly about joining Serbia. That calls into question the fundamentals of the Dayton Peace Agreement and pursues a secessionist policy.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“On 27 April, when all the constitutional deadlines had expired, I enabled the House of Representatives of the Federation to vote on a Government suggested by a majority of the members of Parliament and formally proposed by Federation President Lidija Bradara. The next day, 28 April, the Federation House of Representatives voted in favour of that Government proposal. The end result is a stable and fully functional Federation. Furthermore, I am glad to inform the Council that the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court concluded in March 2023 that my October decisions were in full accordance with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution and the relevant international human rights conventions.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“The EU candidacy status granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 December last year is a crucial step on that path. It created positive momentum and was welcomed by the population. Positive momentum was also created by the rapid formation of the executive and legislative authorities at almost all levels in the country following the general elections of 2 October. The appointment of the executive authorities of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska was swift. Both Governments are in place and operational. However, the entity of the Federation was caught in a stalemate between political blocs for seven months, threatening the Government with destabilization and institutional dysfunctionality, which I had largely addressed through my decisions of last October and April.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Mr. Schmidt: It is an honour to address the Security Council here today. Almost three decades have passed since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. I see encouraging developments in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I also see profound threats to the fundamentals of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am therefore pleased to have an opportunity to report to the Security Council on the situation. Historically, geographically and culturally, the country is on an irreversible path towards European integration. The functionality of the authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of utmost importance both for fully implementing the Dayton Agreement and for advancing on the path towards the European Union (EU).”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Finally, I already included in my next report an observation about the role of women in politics and society. We have very encouraging examples that the younger generation — female and male politicians — are very committed and are taking their responsibility seriously. That includes the mayors of Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka, especially with regard to the issue of reconciliation. This could be a significant contribution to a better future in this country. I am discharging my duties with the understanding that my work should be finished and completed in due time, as soon as possible. As long as it is not yet done, we must commit to do all we can to make the situation better.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“On the other hand, my offer, which the Mexican representative noted today, is to simply sit and talk — not one about the other, but rather talk together. It is clear to see that every people in this country and in this region has had its share of suffering and victims. We were recently given the opportunity to visit the Jasenovac concentration camp in Donja Gradina, where many Serbs lost their lives during the Second World War. We must also take that into account. I encourage and thank the United Nations, especially Ms. Nderitu, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, for its steady commitment. Ms. Nderitu is very committed to this endeavour, like other representatives of the United Nations. I would like to underline that I am very thankful for all of the support. It is very important to continue this work.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“That is not the failure of the international community, which should now, in the eleventh hour, encourage the stakeholders to gather and work on the electoral law — not to renegotiate. Indeed, there are many shortcomings in the actual electoral law, and they have been named here. Secondly, I would like to underline that the challenge of reconciliation is an emerging one. We must learn to not focus exclusively on the past. Today I heard some comments regarding decisions taken by my predecessor, Mr. Inzko. To be very clear, the point at issue, which nobody in the international community can deny, is that we do not want any former war criminals, who have been identified as such in international courts, to be celebrated as heroes of the past.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Mr. Schmidt: I would like to thank the Security Council for the expressions of support in our efforts to settle and solve the complicated situations and challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to underline that the country has a lot of opportunities. We have to look to maintain the basic Dayton principles, including ensuring the principle of the equality of the three constituent peoples. It is not that easy to incorporate that principle into electoral law. I encourage all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand that such an electoral law comes close to the principle of democracy by finding a reasonable compromise. Unfortunately, we have not been able to do so.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“From my experience, I consider it vitally important that the Dayton institutions stay and continue working in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to assist its people in achieving sustainable development for the country.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“What happens going forward and the way in which the international community chooses to act will resonate throughout the Western Balkans. We remain committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the General Framework Agreement for Peace. We have shown that we are prepared to be decisive, but we also value dialogue and openness. It is my hope that the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina will also value those things and ensure that the citizens they represent no longer have to worry about another conflict, which would give the international community the opportunity to reduce its practical commitment in Bosnia and Herzegovina for as long as that remains the case.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“That in turn would stem the persistent and ever-increasing flow of young people out of the country seeking better opportunities — not to mention respect for the rule of law and political stability — unfortunately, abroad. In my address last fall to the State-level House of Representatives, I underlined the importance of engaging in reforms in the country, which is irreversibly on course for the European Union, and the commitment that involves. The EU remains an indispensable partner for the future of the country. There is broad acceptance for proceeding along the path of European integration. In that regard, it is crucial that Europe’s door remain open to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community, in my understanding, are at a crossroads.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“I have also met with those responsible for Western Balkans policy in several capitals, especially those of the assembled members of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, not only because of the urgency of the current situation, but also because of the necessity of re-engaging the capitals in completing the tasks at hand once we are finally back on track. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation, as a member of the Peace Implementation Council, has suspended its participation. The fulfilment of the 5+2 agenda and the EU recommendations would not only resolve certain grievances, but also contribute to lasting peace and stability, thereby fundamentally improving the lives of every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“The holding of regular, fair and free elections is a requirement under the General Framework Agreement for Peace, and citizens must be allowed to voice their will through the democratic process. With the campaign season upon us, I urge all political parties to conduct themselves with grace and dignity. As High Representative, I continue to meet political leaders and other interlocutors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as leaders in the region, including those of neighbouring Serbia and Croatia and nearby Hungary. While we may not always see eye to eye, I am grateful for their perspectives. Everyone has important and influential roles to play in fostering constructive dialogue, and I have received some encouraging commitments.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Moreover, there are reports of outright violations of the State Property Disposal Ban, and I encourage the competent judicial authorities to investigate and prosecute such cases, wherever they may be. As I mentioned, an agreement on electoral reforms was not reached, despite two years of tireless engagement in negotiations facilitated by the United States and European Union. Despite broad agreement among parties on a package of amendments to improve transparency and restore voter confidence to respect the decisions of international and national courts in the electoral process, such a package has unfortunately not been adopted. While there is still time for an eleventh- hour agreement, the elections can and will be held on schedule in October, just as general elections were conducted on schedule in 2018.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Regrettably, those issues are tied to the negotiations on electoral reforms between the two main Federation parties, the Bosnian Party of Democratic Action and the Croatian Democratic Union, in which the latter has used the issue of appointments as a bargaining chip. Nonetheless, an agreement remains elusive. In the context of State property, while the Federation authorities have not attempted to introduce legislation to undermine the pre-eminence of the State, neither have they updated its existing laws to be consistent with rulings of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court in that regard. I have invited the competent Federation and canton authorities to correct that situation.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Three and a half years since the 2018 general elections, with the 2022 general elections only five months away, parties in the Federation have failed to agree and appoint a new government. That is also the case in the Herzegovina-Neretva canton. Therefore, in that canton and at the Federation level, governments from the 2014 to 2018 mandate still sit. That is an affront to basic democratic principles, particularly the expressed will of the voters. Other crucial appointments in the Federation remain pending, not least the appointment of judges to the Federation Constitutional Court.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“I have strenuously advocated, and continue to advocate, reaching solutions in the competent institutions — whether on State property, genocide denial, reconciliation or another issue facing the country. If constitutional order is to be amended or improved, that must be done by elected representatives working to find a legal solution. Unilaterally usurping competences without establishing common legal ground goes against Dayton. We will not sit still as parties seek to dismantle 26 years of peace, stability and progress. Although the activities of the Republika authorities have justifiably been cause for concern, that does not diminish the international community’s dismay with the dysfunction in the Federation, the other entity.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Nonetheless, I took the opportunity to make it very clear that, unless the Republika Srpska legislature amends its conclusions from December — on about 130 laws — every piece of legislation that would violate the structure of the Constitution could not be accepted, and better legislation that respects the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be developed, together with the European Union (EU) and other facilitators. In supporting the application of my authority as High Representative and through targeted sanctions and the withdrawal of funding by individual nations, the international community has shown it is prepared to take a different approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will always pursue dialogue as the first option.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“But after 27 years we could not manage to get State legislation about the transfer of State property to the different levels of public service and public needs, which is disappointing. I am happy that now, after my decision, there seem to be some attempts to come together and work on that, which is very necessary. Rather than substitute my authority for the entity’s legislature by repealing the law, I ordered the suspension of its application pending review by the Constitutional Court. Therefore, I gave it back to the institutions of the State. Those decisions were not taken lightly, and only as a last resort after exhausting every alternate avenue, including dialogue and appeals to the highest levels of Republika Srpska leadership.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“For as many years, the international community has advocated local ownership. Having in mind the persistent challenges to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past decade, the Ambassadors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council and I agreed on the need for a different response. Supported by the Steering Board, I used my executive authority as High Representative to issue decisions as a countermeasure to the illegal and destabilizing actions taken by the Republika Srpska authorities. Those decisions relate to the Law on Immovable Property Used for the Functioning of Public Authority, adopted by Republika Srpska in February. That law disregards several final and binding decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“In that regard, I must note that the school curricula that radically differ along ethnic lines are not the way to overcome the shadows of the past. The diversity of Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks and others must be respected, but there must be as well a commitment to contribute to the whole. I can report that there is a lot of work within civil society dealing with that issue. We have a successful development in Brčko, the condominium of Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where there is now a planned joint memorial for the victims of war in past times, which does not distinguish among the different ethnic origins of the victims. I think that is a significant positive step. Not only since last year, but for many years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been mired in a cycle of crises generated by political leaders.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“The duty of the international community regarding the General Framework Agreement for Peace is to safeguard the rights of all three constituent peoples and others, so that all citizens can express their identity, with none dominating the other. Late last year, I met with representatives of the associations Movement of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves, Women of Srebrenica and Mothers of Srebrenica, who are living reminders of the price of war. This July, they will again commemorate the Srebrenica genocide. The international community must consider all measures at its disposal to ensure that peace prevails in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we must continue the unfulfilled endeavour to entrench reconciliation and social cohesion.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“What the Republika Srpska authorities are pursuing through the unilateral withdrawal from agreements on the transfer of competencies to the State would, if followed through, achieve a de facto secession of the entity by opting out of the constitutional framework and assuming the competencies of a State. I underline that the entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina exist by virtue of the Constitution. They are a constitutional part of the State, but they have no right to secede. Announced moves by the Republika Srpska authorities undermine the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a representative of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, I am committed to preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Changes to the constitutional order cannot be made unilaterally, only by joint parliamentary decisions, and must respect the decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Dayton principles. I have repeatedly extended an invitation to talk about the need for structural improvements to the Constitution, but have received no response. As the responsible interpreter of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, as set forth in article V of annex 10, the High Representative will ensure respect for those fundamental commitments. What conclusions could citizens in any society reach, especially a society still recovering from the trauma of hearing such rhetoric?”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“The leading ruling political party in the Republika Srpska Government repeatedly advocates for the “peaceful dissolution” of the country and has subsequently identified the goal of its legislative undertakings as an “independent Republika Srpska within the Dayton Bosnia and Herzegovina.” I had an exchange with the Head of State of the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who said to me that I should not forget that there is no peaceful dissolution in this region. I do not wish to comment on that statement, but merely to share that observation with members. The phrase “original Dayton”, often employed by the Republika Srpska authorities, in fact reveals disrespect for the Constitution.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“If followed through, that would mean, at a minimum, the withdrawal of the Republika Srpska from the unified Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the result of one of the most significant reforms of the Dayton era and one of the most positive developments we have seen in recent years. It could also mean the formation of its own military. So far, that attempt has been stopped with the help of the international community.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“In my report to the Secretary-General, I note that, as in the previous period, authorities of the Republika Srpska continue to embrace rhetoric and actions, including the adoption of legislation, that could undermine the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In December, the Republika Srpska legislature adopted conclusions instructing the entity Government to withdraw from several previous agreements on the transfer of competencies from the entity to the State, including defence, indirect taxation and the judiciary. The conclusions oblige the Republika Srpska Government to introduce entity laws in those areas within six months, with provisions to render the State-level laws non-applicable in the entity.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“In that context, upon his recent visit to Sarajevo, a United States senator said: “This is a very worrying time for Bosnia and Herzegovina.” As there is no concrete danger of war, the possibility of heating up tensions or creating inflammatory incidents remains high. In that context, I am grateful for the continued presence of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the military counterpart to the Office of the High Representative, as a confidence-building measure and a necessary tool to safeguard peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But why is the Dayton-created international presence still required in 2022?”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“More than 26 years since the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country continues to be traumatized by war. Every single person who lived through it is still — in one way or another — wounded. And I see that the desire to keep peace is present among Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks and others. In addition, this collective memory casts long shadows over the younger generations born during wartime or the aftermath. In the face of continued instability, they are, unfortunately, leaving the country in record numbers. The conflict in Ukraine, not so far away, is a sobering reminder that even, in the twenty-first century, another war on European soil is not an impossibility.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Nevertheless, there are some political obstacles that must first be addressed and monitored. At the outset, let me be clear that, while there are threats to the constitutional order of Bosnia Herzegovina — emanating above all from one part of the country — severe challenges to its functionality exist throughout the country, and I shall address the most serious of them. This April marked 30 years since the start of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since last year, citizens of the country, and even international media, have speculated about the possibility of another war. In Sarajevo, protesters gathered in front of my Office, appealing for my intervention to prevent that from happening.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Mr. Schmidt: It is an honour to address this organ for the first time in my capacity as High Representative and to present the sixty-first report (S/2022/374, annex) of the High Representative on the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it is a good exercise and important to keep the United Nations informed about developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nine months after assuming the role, I can attest that it is not an easy job by any means, but it is a worthwhile endeavour, and I am honoured to take it on. I would like to underline that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve the understanding and commitment of the international community. These are hard-working peace-loving people of all ethnic denominations, and they are on a good path to European integration.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source