YouSaid · the spoken record

Simonovie

lines on the record: 206
first: 1997-12-19
most recent: 2019-10-28
sittings or episodes: 19
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

“It is my pleasure to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for organizing this open debate on United Nations missions' so-called exit strategy. We cannot agree more with the statement that the term "exit strategy" is unclear and may be misleading. We therefore wish to commend you, Mr. President, for your initiative to explore the uncharted territory that lies between the formal end of a United Nations mission and the fulfilment of the mission's objectives. We appreciate the approach the Dutch delegation has taken in preparing and distributing in advance a reference paper on the theme "No exit without strategy" for today's debate. Its conceptual part and its three case studies contain probing questions, as well as a compilation of lessons learned regarding the creation, modification and, especially, termination of operational mandates.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“For some of them, this might still be a long way off, but it remains worthwhile to further invest individual and collective efforts.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“These proceedings are not directed against Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, but against the State authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which are to be held responsible. In a joint statement issued recently, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia expressed the belief that their cooperation in the proceedings of the International Court of Justice against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would ultimately contribute to democratization, reconciliation and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the region. Finally, Croatia firmly believes that the efforts of the international community will prove successful and self-sustained stability in South-East Europe will be ensured only when the countries of the region are able to assume responsibility for their future.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is vital that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia reflect in its work the extent and the level of the involvement of the various sides and the war crimes committed. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's unwillingness to cooperate with this Tribunal remains a serious obstacle in this respect. As long as the indicted war criminals, such as Milosevic, Mladic', Karadzie, Sljivaneanin, Radie, Mrksie, Martie and others remain at large, justice, healing and reconciliation cannot be achieved. In order to prevent a distorted recollection of the tragic events that took place, and for the historical record, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have raised genocide claims against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before the International Court of Justice.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Resolving the succession issue on the basis of the equality of all five successor States, a basis which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia stubbornly rejects, is a prerequisite for sustainable peace and stability in the region. Security Council resolution 777 (1992) and General Assembly resolution 47/1 affirmed the principle of equality of all successor States; however, they were never fully implemented. Some statements heard today are encouraging with regard to their full implementation in the foreseeable future. Another issue which directly impinges on the prospects of sustainable peace in the region is that of criminal accountability for the tragic events that occurred during the conflict on the territory of the former Yugoslavia.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Meanwhile, we will continue to normalize relations with Montenegro, especially regarding the free movement of civilians throughout the Prevlaka area, towards which the Milosevic regime still harbours territorial pretensions. Our cooperation with other successor States to the former Yugoslavia has been good and is constantly growing in both the bilateral and the multilateral spheres. Among other issues, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Slovenia, united by a common interest in developing good-neighbourly relations- and consequently, stability and prosperity in the region - have invested sustained joint efforts to resolve with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia the issues of succession to their common predecessor State.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“After affecting other countries that emerged after the dissolution ofthe former Yugoslavia, the crisis has now returned to its origin: to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The same ideology and the same regime that caused so much suffering during the aggression waged on Croatia and on Bosnia and Herzegovina now represents an obstacle to the democratic dialogue on how to resolve ethnic tensions in Kosovo and protect equality and the legitimate interests of citizens of Montenegro. It is in Croatia's interest to see the Normalization Agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia fully implemented. But prior to democratic developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, this appears unrealistic.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This includes participation in the Stability Pact for South-East Europe and consistent implementation of the refugee return programme. More precisely, our efforts are directed at the consolidation of cooperation in all fields, and particularly at extending political stability and economic revival in South-eastern Europe. In this regard, we are fully committed to the implementation of the Dayton accords, and supportive of the international efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the situation in Croatia has improved and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is improving, the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia raises serious concerns.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In that context, we welcome the initiative of President Chirac to pay special attention during the French presidency of the European Union to ways to accelerate the integration of the region into a European mainstream, and we pledge Croatia's full support. In our opinion, the French initiative to convene a summit to serve that purpose should enlist support and participation of a broader range of neighbouring countries. Over a short period of time following the elections held earlier this year, Croatia has made substantial progress in joining political, economic and security institutions and mechanisms and in developing good-neighbourly relations. The Croatian Government is also conducting an active regional policy aimed at establishing a sustainable peace.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Indeed, Croatia has managed to pull itself from the circle of crisis and has joined the circle of well- intentioned neighbouring countries willing to help those still in need. Croatia's case serves as the best example that positive change in the region is possible. Moreover, it proves that such a change is welcomed and rewarded by the international community. Given the main priority of the Croatian Government - that is, to make up for time lost 7 the demonstrated willingness of the European Union to speed up the integration process for qualified newcomers, based on their own individual achievements, remains of extraordinary importance. It is a clear signal to other countries ofthe region that, if the conditions are met, Europe's door remains open.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The return of refugees and displaced persons throughout the region, demining, rebuilding, economic and social reconstruction and development, and healing and reconciliation remain standing objectives for the years to come. Most important, the countries in the region have yet to take charge of their own fate and to find their respective ways towards sustainable peace, the rule of law, protection of human rights and economic development. There are some grounds for optimism in that respect. People in the region have strengthened their resolve to break out of the spiral of instability and face the challenges of full democratization. In that regard, we welcome the recognition of Croatia's efforts and appreciate the words of encouragement addressed to us today.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is my pleasure to thank the Permanent Representative of France, His Excellency Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, in his capacity as President of the Security Council, for organizing this open debate on a region that has been the object of so much attention in the past 10 years. We also welcome the presence of Mr. Bildt and Mr. Solana, and appreciate their valuable contributions. The protracted crisis in South-eastern Europe has challenged the international community in many respects. It has strained its collective security resources and has drawn on its humanitarian and economic resources. It has also tested its political resolve and its moral and legal consciousness alike. In spite of a substantial investment of energy and resources and some notable achievements, much work still remains ahead.”
2000-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4164Resumption1 (2000) · source
“For the sake of justice, the historical record, reconciliation, and peace and stability in the area, it is vital that the Security Council use all its power and influence to ensure that all those indicted, including those from the Republika Srpska and from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, are finally brought to trial.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Above all, establishing the truth about what happened during a conflict - particularly establishing responsibility for war crimes that have been committed - is critical to healing and reconciliation. The goal of the reintegration of former combatants thus cannot be attained without this element of justice. Croatia is aware of its own responsibilities and obligations in this regard. It is therefore Croatia's intention to fully implement a policy of responsible cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Hence, we are placing particular emphasis on the potential of the private sector and direct business-to-business cooperation. In this regard, we wholeheartedly support the Secretary-General's emphasis on the potential role to be played by the business community and his call on the Security Council "to explore the creation of mechanisms through which it could enhance its capacity to enter into dialogue with business". (S/2000/10]. para. 111) Of equal and timely relevance is his call issued to Member States to re-examine bilaterally the various development and trade policies that favour employment within post-conflict economies. Although reconciliation is not emphasized in the Secretary-General's report, we continue to hold that it constitutes one of the cornerstones of a successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Such economic, social and development policy measures have proven taxing on the national budget of an economy burdened with reconstruction, low investment and real growth rates and high unemployment, as is always the case in a post-conflict society. The new Croatian Government, which has also recently mounted a major refugee return programme, has recognized the challenges of the practical implementation of a comprehensive reintegration policy. While offering its unwavering commitment to implementing such a policy, it has called for much needed international assistance in resurrecting an economy that could sustain development needs. At the same time, we recognize that the contribution of institutional donors might be limited, as it is also urgently needed elsewhere.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The critical importance of economic and social policy measures to speeding up reconciliation and the overall post-conflict recovery cannot be overemphasized. In Croatia, we tried to stimulate the reintegration of ex- combatants in several ways, including by adopting an amnesty law that exonerated former rebels, except for those who had committed war crimes. Other measures included priority access by veterans to higher education and employment in the public sector; preferential lines of credit for new business ventures or agricultural leases; special unemployment benefits, including health care; and early retirement benefits.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Since August 1999, any further illegal possession of arms has been penalized. We do recognize that, in some other environments, similar weapons buy-back programmes produced undesired consequences, but I wish to stress that in Croatia such a programme worked quite well. Another important element in UN TAES was the role played by the Transitional Police Force, which was made up of 40 per cent Croats, 40 per cent Serbs and 20 per cent other ethnic groups present in the region. The international community provided training assistance for a number of the Transitional Police Force members, which proved crucial for establishing a high level of professionalism. This building of local capacity was Vital to the proper reintegration of former combatants and the maintenance of law and order.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“And yet, the process of reintegration was, of course, more than politically challenging. It represented major technical and bureaucratic difficulties for the civilian aspects of reintegration. Critical to the orderly implementation of the civilian timetable for reintegration, however, was the process of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants. Importantly, this process was not only launched early on in the operation, but also completed swiftly and in parallel with an innovative manner of a weapons buy-back scheme. The firearms buy-back programme lasted approximately 10 months and was jointly conducted by the Croatian Government and UNTAES. Under the programme, almost 10,000 firearms were collected, for which approximately $1.6 million were paid.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“These three points are: the disarmament model that was used during the UNTAES mission; follow-on security assistance and political missions that ensued upon the successful completion of this United Nations Mission; and national strategy and policy measures regarding the rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants. UNTAES was created in an environment favourable to its ultimate goal of the peaceful reintegration of the formerly occupied Croatian territory. There was agreement of the parties to the conflict. Recourse to the military option was unattractive to all interested parties and the political goal of peaceful reintegration was clearly set and known, as well as supported by the political will of the host Government, the international community and the skilled United Nations leadership in the field.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Fourthly, he puts forward a number of innovative proposals for further pioneering action or refinement by the Security Council and other institutional actors with a vested interest in assuring irreversible peace. Croatia has hosted five distinct United Nations peacekeeping operations in the last nine years. We have gained experience that entitles us to reflect upon the lessons learned in peacekeeping and peace-building. I wish to briefly restate three points from the lessons learned from the successful United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES).”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“First, it offers useful definitions of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in a peacekeeping environment and a reminder that the success of these activities depends on their comprehensive, mutual and continuous reinforcement. Secondly, the report contains a very useful compendium and critical assessment of the ways and means in which the various United Nations, regional and other actors have dealt with DDR in the past within the context of some peacekeeping operations and follow-on missions. Thirdly, the Secretary- General identifies a number of challenges for future implementation of DDR in all segments of the peace- setting, peacekeeping and peace-building agendas.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I am pleased to greet you, Sir, as the President of the Security Council for the month of March and welcome your initiative to hold an open debate on the centrality of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants to the restoration of stability and sustainable peace. Croatia understands well the importance of the role United Nations peacekeeping has played in the past and could play in the future in this regard. Hence, we wish to thank and commend the Secretary-General for his thorough, systematic and comprehensive report on the topic under our consideration. The report represents a major contribution to furthering the awareness of the importance of DDR to the cause of consolidating peace in post-conflict societies in several ways.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In this regard, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of establishing the truth about what happened during the conflict, that is, the establishment of responsibility for war crimes that have been committed. The goal of reintegration of former combatants cannot be attained without this element of justice. The alternative, if war criminals are not brought to justice, is that a neighbour will not trust a neighbour walking down the street after sunset, let alone join hands in rebuilding and developing a livelihood in the same community.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Needless to say, all of these policy measures have proven expensive. They are taxing on the national budget of an economy burdened with reconstruction, low investment and real growth rates and high unemployment, as is always the case in a post-conflict society. This is why Croatia strongly recommends that, as a part of the international financial assistance provided to post-conflict societies, special funds be earmarked for, and allocated to, specific programmes that support rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants. As we have stated before in this and other forums, reconciliation does not take place overnight, but represents a long-term process.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In the interest of speeding up reconciliation and overall post-conflict recovery, special importance should be attached to economic and social measures. In this respect, reintegration of ex-combatants into civil society carries additional weight. In Croatia, we tried to stimulate this reintegration in several ways, including by adopting an amnesty law that exonerated former rebels, except for the perpetrators of war crimes. Veterans are given priority in access to higher education and to employment in the public sector. They are also eligible for preferential lines of credit for new business ventures or agricultural leases. For those who cannot be included in the active working population, special unemployment benefits, including health care, as well as early retirement benefits, are also available.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The nine-month follow-on United Nations support group, by monitoring civilian police practices, added its weight to the positive momentum for a normalization of life in the area. Not necessarily enchanted, but fully cognizant of the magnitude and complexity of the ongoing process of reintegration, Croatia later invited the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to continue with certain monitoring duties in Eastern Slavonia. In doing so, Croatia has recognized the need to do what it takes to consolidate stability and sustain peace, and thereby help the local population move on towards joint tasks of rebuilding prosperity. In this regard, as was recently emphasized during the Zagreb regional conference on anti-personnel landmines, demining remains a priority task.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The UNTAES operation was concluded on schedule on 15 January 1998. During the last few months, the number of peacekeepers was scaled down substantially. As the transition period proceeded, an increasing number of security functions were performed by the Transitional Police Force (TPF), which was made up of 40 per cent each of Croats and Serbs and 20 per cent of other ethnic groups present in the region. Importantly, the international community provided training assistance for a number of TPF members, which proved crucial to establishing a high level of professionalism. This was invaluable to proper reintegration of former combatants and maintenance of law and order. Initially under the responsibility of UNTAES, the TPF later came under the management of the Ministry of the Interior one year prior to complete reintegration of the region.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Critical to the orderly implementation of the civilian timetable of reintegration, however, was the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants. Importantly, this process was launched not only early on in the operation, but also, was completed swiftly and competently in an innovative manner of a weapons buy-back scheme. The firearms buy-back programme lasted approximately ten months, and was jointly conducted by the Croatian Government and UNTAES. Under the programme, significant amounts of firearms, explosive ammunition and ignition devices were collected, for which approximately $1.6 million were paid. Since, the process of voluntary return and collection of small arms has continued, beginning in August, any further illegal possession of arms will be penalized.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“UNTAES was created in an environment favourable to its ultimate goal of peaceful reintegration of the formerly occupied Croatian territory: we had the agreement of the parties to the conflict; recourse to the military option was unattractive to all interested parties; and the political goal of peaceful reintegration was clearly set and known, as well as supported by the political will of the host Government, the international community and the skilled United Nations leadership in the field. And yet, the process of reintegration was, of course, more than politically challenging. It represented major technical and bureaucratic difficulties for civilian aspects of reintegration.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Those three points are: a pioneering model of disarmament that was used in the Croatian Danubian region during the UNTAES mission; a follow- on security assistance and political mission that ensued upon the successful completion of the United Nations mission; and finally, national strategy and policy measures regarding rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Having hosted five distinct United Nations peacekeeping operations in the last eight years, Croatia has gained experience that entitles it to reflect upon the lessons learned in peacekeeping and peace-building. On this occasion, I will not comment on those operations on Croatia's soil that did not succeed. Rather, I wish to elaborate briefly on three points from the lessons learned from the successful United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES).”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“If the Security Council indeed wishes to enhance the effectiveness, scope and reach of its Charter- mandated responsibility to maintain international peace and security, it should not shy away from improving upon old or searching for new means to fit new realities in a comprehensive manner. In this regard, Croatia salutes the initiative to move away from a piecemeal approach to what it takes in today's world and age to enhance the prospects for sustainable peace. The quest for developing general principles and guidelines for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants in a peacekeeping and peace- building environment is timely, and fully consistent with existing efforts of the Secretary-General. It is also consistent with the political will of a number of Member States, as evidenced best by today's turnout of speakers.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is our pleasure to participate in the debate and share our views on a comprehensive approach to the questions of peacekeeping and peace-building. We are aware that different requirements embedded in military management and bureaucratic governance in United Nations missions call for distinct categories and tasks of peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. Nevertheless, all of these efforts comprise the same continuum on the road towards a lasting peace. The objective of restoring and maintaining a lasting peace should not fall victim to conceptual or bureaucratic compartmentalization, its value being too large and its opposite too costly.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I welcome the opportunity to greet you, Sir, as the President of the Security Council for the month of July. Your initiative, which led to today's open debate on the centrality of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants to the restoration of stability and sustainable peace, represents a natural extension of Malaysia's extensive record in the fields of international peacekeeping and peace-building. As a country with direct recent experience in matters that we are discussing today, we wish to make a specific contribution concerning elements that might be incorporated into future planning and execution of United Nations-led operations and missions of the regional security organizations.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Croats, Muslims and Serbs - should use the benefit of an international presence for elaborating on and fully implementing an efficient institutional system in accordance with the basic principles of Dayton. Such an eventuality would make redundant the recent practice of imposing decisions upon the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I should also like to reiterate that, in accordance with operative paragraph 16 of the draft resolution, members of the peacekeeping forces in theatre can count on the continued logistical and other support of Croatia during the course of their mandate.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“This, coupled with the fact that despite ample evidence no indictments for crimes committed against Bosnia and Herzegovina Croats are forthcoming, does not nurture their confidence in the international community. Croatia supports the letter and the intent of the draft resolution before the Council. The continued presence and active support of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina are essential. Nevertheless, it is the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina that bear the ultimate responsibility for their mutual relations and the future of their country. Having this in mind, Croatia believes that measures to strengthen professionalism throughout all levels of the public service, as described in the Secretary-General's report of 10 June 1998, deserve our unconditional support.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“An additional reason for the disillusionment of Bosnia and Herzegovina Croats with the international community is directly related to their perception of the imbalance in the cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Despite recent positive developments in theatre with the voluntary surrender or arrest by the Stabilization Force (SFOR) of some Serb indictees, Bosnia and Herzegovina Croats continue to make up the vast majority of imprisoned indictees This continues to be the case even though Bosnian Croats and Muslims together were overwhelmingly the victims of war crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“The growing alienation that is being felt by Bosnian Croats should not be taken lightly by the international community. While it has often been pointed out that the key to the reintegration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into a multi-ethnic state lies in stimulating the return process, little concrete support has been given to Bosnia and Herzegovina Croats who have sought to attain this. Principal Deputy High Representative Klein stated recently that Croats genuinely feel that they are being treated unequally and marginalized. The cumulative result of these factors has led to a situation in which, according to conservative estimates, Croats, who once constituted 18 per cent of Bosnia's population, now make up only about 12 per cent.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“Croatia recognizes the importance the return process will play in the ongoing stabilization of the region, and it is for this reason that the Government is currently working on a comprehensive plan for return, which should be completed by 25 June. Croatia considers it important to enunciate the unequivocal right of return of all of its citizens who wish to exercise it. I should like to recall that Croatia remains the only State in the region which has received a significant number of displaced persons from a group formerly affiliated with the rebel occupying forces. Regrettably, a consequence of a one-sided approach with regard to refugee returns has already been reflected in a loss of confidence in the Dayton Peace Agreement. This phenomenon is becoming more evident among Bosnia and Herzegovina Croats.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“In order to help expedite this process the Government has already adopted Procedures for the Return of Persons Who Have Left Croatia, which it later supplemented with Mandatory Instructions. Furthermore, Croatia has signed bilateral agreements on the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, the movement of persons and goods between Croatia and both entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina is now open, thereby encouraging economic and other links between the two countries and through Croatia to the rest of Europe.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“Croatia has recently signed an agreement for the construction of a major highway linking Zagreb to Dubrovnik and passing through Federation territory. This major infrastructure project will link the whole region to important transport corridors to the north. The Government's decision is indicative of the orientation towards economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. I should also mention the recent meeting held between Foreign Minister Granie and the Prime Minister of the Bosnian Serb entity, Milorad Dodik. While welcoming its newfound cooperativeness, Croatia believes that the Bosnian Serb leadership should be judged by its deeds and not merely by its words. Croatia shall continue to place a great deal of importance upon the organized and dignified return of displaced persons to their previous places of residence.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“Deviations from these principles can be both damaging and destabilizing, not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina itself, but also for other States in the region. The implementation of the Dayton principles will ensure that the interests, local customs and way of life of all three constitutive nations and other national groups in Bosnia are protected. A disrespect for these principles can precipitate a polarization and have undesirable repercussions. Croatia has taken several steps since January with a View to strengthening its ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina. A presidential envoy is working closely with a Bosnian delegation in respect of special economic, transit and other bilateral arrangements between the two countries.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“As a witness to the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia has a special interest in events and actions which may affect its implementation. The Dayton arrangement consists of a number of technical provisions which are undergoing frequent change, but also includes some basic principles which remain fundamental to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These principles are: Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, internationally recognized State; the decentralization of State apparatus; and equality among the three constitutive nations. Let me stress that Croatia cannot support any solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina that does not fully incorporate these founding principles.”
1998-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3892 (1998) · source
“However, I should like to stress that the participation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in international institutions is conditional upon its application for membership and the fulfilment of all criteria for acceptance into those institutions, as is the case with every new applicant. Consequently, it is the understanding of my delegation that this is the only context within which paragraph 18 of the resolution can be interpreted. The issue of succession to the former Yugoslavia cannot be linked to the Kosovo crisis, because it is a matter which involves all the successor States to the former Yugoslavia and must be resolved on the basis of the opinions of the Badinter Commission and international law.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“On this issue Croatia speaks from the experience of a country which has during the past six years taken care of more than 800,000 refugees and displaced persons. In this context, my delegation welcomes the fact that the resolution calls on the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to allow international humanitarian organizations full access to Kosovo in order to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population. Croatia holds this to be a humanitarian imperative. Croatia acknowledges the importance of normalizing relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the rest of the international community.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Croatia expressed its disagreement with such repressive methods used by Serbian authorities even during the time of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, when the Socialist Republic of Croatia withdrew its police forces from the federal units deployed in Kosovo. Today, as an independent and sovereign State, Croatia adds its voice to the efforts of the international community in seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Croatia is particularly concerned by the possible humanitarian catastrophe which could be caused by the present crisis. The international community cannot allow the same pattern of humanitarian disasters experienced in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to be repeated in Kosovo.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“Croatia supports all the efforts undertaken by the international community in this regard, particularly the endeavours made by the Contact Group and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) aimed at halting the escalation of the conflict. Croatia joins others in condemning the violation of human rights in Kosovo and denounces all acts and forms of terrorism, regardless of whether they are committed by a State, a group or an individual, bearing in mind that State terrorism represents the most dangerous form of terrorism because of the resources available to States. It is very clear that police repression is an unacceptable method for resolving political issues in Kosovo.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The disrespect that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia showed for the opinions of the Badinter Commission regarding the territorial integrity of neighbouring Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is now, regarding Kosovo, returning like a boomerang. Croatia welcomes - and emphasizes the importance of - the readiness of the international community to help facilitate this process, as demonstrated by the resolution that the Security Council has just adopted. My delegation believes that the willingness of the international community to play an active role in alleviating the tension is vital for the achievement of a political solution.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source
“The Republic of Croatia shares the concerns of the international community on the situation in Kosovo and the impending threat to international peace and security which it constitutes. Croatia, as a neighbour of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, is vitally interested in a speedy resolution of the crisis. Croatia believes that all political issues in Kosovo, including its future status, must be resolved between the Belgrade authorities and Kosovar Albanians through a genuinely democratic political process. The dialogue has to take into account both the opinions of the Arbitration Commission of the International Conference on Yugoslavia - The Badinter Commission - on the inviolability of the borders of new States established following the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia and the tradition of territorial autonomy in Kosovo.”
1998-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3868 (1998) · source