YouSaid · the spoken record

Stevanović

lines on the record: 69
first: 2021-11-03
most recent: 2023-12-12
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“Mr. Stevanović (Serbia): Of course, the Permanent Representative of Croatia has an obsession with the Republic of Serbia in every statement that he makes on any subject, but I would just like to read something from a report by the Prosecutor — the Prosecutor, that is, not the Republic of Serbia. The report states that Croatia’s cooperation regarding war-crimes cases with national judiciaries in the region has significantly worsened, “while the Croatian justice sector concerns itself almost exclusively with ... in absentia prosecutions of ethnic Serbs that do not achieve real justice” (S/2023/357, annex II ). As a result, Croatian perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity. The meeting rose at 12.15 p.m.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, it is essential to acknowledge that the legacy of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Mechanism should be open to criticism. Acquittals, such as those of Ramush Haradinaj, for terrible crimes in Kosovo and Metohija; Naser Orić , for serious crimes in Podrinje; and Ante Gotovina, for serious crimes in Croatia, are a part of the Mechanism’s history. Those verdicts have strengthened a policy of impunity for the crimes committed against the Serbian people.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“The Prosecutor consistently overlooks the presence of existing legal frameworks rooted not only in national legislation but also in two conventions of the Council of Europe, which are binding for both countries as members of that body. More importantly, we want to emphasize once again that the complaints about Serbia’s denial of crimes and glorification of victims totally lack merit. Serbia has successfully concluded numerous legal proceedings imposing strict penalties for crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia, particularly those involving Serbian citizens or compatriots. Moreover, the substantial number of ongoing proceedings and investigations underscore our commitment to addressing those issues.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“If, after the examination and hearing, it is decided that Mladić cannot be adequately treated in his current detention unit, the Mechanism should, in line with Principles 1, 3, 23 and 24, consider humanitarian release to ensure his proper treatment in a nursing or medical facility. Serbia is ready to assist by providing qualified medical personnel for Mladić’s comprehensive examination and is willing to accommodate him under any conditions set by the Mechanism upon his release for humanitarian reasons. It is also crucial to highlight the issue in the Prosecutor’s reports concerning the legal framework for cooperation between Serbia and Croatia in war crimes proceedings.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We recall that the Mechanism, as part of the United Nations system, is bound by the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1988 (see General Assembly resolution 43/173). Nevertheless, Mladić’s requests for a hearing on his health condition have been denied by the President of the Mechanism. Serbia believes that a hearing is necessary to allow for relevant medical testimony regarding General Mladić’s current condition and the challenges of his health treatment in the detention unit. In that context, it is crucial that Mladić, his lawyer and his family have access to all his medical records, because we have indications that that is currently not the case.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“While the claim that sentences cannot be carried out in the countries of the former Yugoslavia is based on the Secretary-General’s report of 1993 (see S/25704) and aligns with paragraph 2 of resolution 808 (1993), we believe that the circumstances have changed significantly. Today the prosecution of war crimes falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of national justice systems, and we see no compelling reason for why some convicted individuals should not serve their prison sentences in their home country. That would be done under the supervision of the Mechanism, granting full authority, including on matters such as early release and parole, to the Mechanism. In that context, I want to highlight the insufficient health care provided to General Ratko Mladić, who suffers from several serious health conditions.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Secondly, we emphasize the need to review the newly established criteria for early release and parole. It seems reasonable to conclude that those criteria have been set primarily to prolong the Mechanism’s operation, resulting in unequal treatment of convicted individuals. Given that all convicted individuals are in an advanced stage of life and generally suffer from poor health, requests for early release or parole need to be promptly addressed. Thirdly, we once again express our readiness to execute the prison sentences imposed by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Mechanism within the Republic of Serbia under the full supervision of the Mechanism.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We hope that in those proceedings there will be no oversights such as those in the case of Jojić and Radeta. We offer strong assurances that the justice system of the Republic of Serbia has the appropriate legal and institutional framework to enable it to assume and handle those cases in a transparent and very qualified manner. During those proceedings, Serbia will maintain full cooperation with the Mechanism. On this occasion, we find it necessary to once again restate the requests of the Republic of Serbia. First and foremost, we insist on the return of the comprehensive documentation previously submitted to the Mechanism. That is a matter visibly absent from both previous and current reports by the President and the Prosecutor of the Mechanism.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We once again emphasize that Serbia’s handling of the issue in no way constitutes a violation of our international obligations but rather reflects an effort to act in accordance with resolution 1966 (2010). Serbia remains ready to undertake criminal prosecution in that and all other similar cases. We call on the Mechanism to reconsider its decision based on the evidence, including Serbia’s previous submissions to the Mechanism, in order to allow the Jojić and Radeta case to be referred to the judicial authorities of our country. During the previous reporting period, the Mechanism confirmed indictments for contempt of court against Vojislav Šešelj and four other individuals. The process of deciding whether the case against the accused should be referred to the authorities of the Republic of Serbia is ongoing.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Mr. Stevanović (Serbia): I would like to thank Judge Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and Prosecutor Brammertz for their report (see S/2023/566) and today’s briefings. The Mechanism’s specific aim, in accordance with resolutions 1966 (2010) and 2637 (2022), is to evolve into a “small, temporary and efficient structure, whose functions and size will diminish over time.” In that context, we welcome President Gatti Santana’s stated intention to attempt to ensure that the Mechanism can complete its remaining work without delay. However, certain of its activities suggest a tendency towards prolonging its existence. The President of the Mechanism also notes in her report that there has been no progress regarding the contempt-of-court case of Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Therefore, Serbia is, and will continue to be, committed to peace, security and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional peace. I say bon voyage to Albania; we will not miss them.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“In our region, there is a growing need for a more effective European Union enlargement process and sustained advancement on reforms. We applaud every stride taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina in that direction. We stand ready to share our experience and expertise gained from the EU integration process and remain open to collaboration that draws us closer to our shared goal of EU membership. The Republic of Serbia has a proven record of initiating and fostering good-neighbourly relations and creating a new model of cooperation in South-East Europe. We aim for the free flow of people, goods, capital and services. As an immediate neighbour, the stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is closely linked with Serbia’s well-being.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Unilateral actions serve only to generate new challenges and continue the useless undertakings to establish dominance in the decision-making process. We have always emphasized the role of dialogue in reaching agreements between the two entities and the three constituent peoples. For Serbia, fostering bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity. We are fully committed to our bilateral dialogue and cooperation, and we will continue to be a reliable partner in advancing our mutual interests. At the same time, Serbia remains devoted to the transparent development of its relations with Republika Srpska, in line with the Dayton Peace Agreement. We also strive to enhance cooperation with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“It has paved the way for economic and social recovery, advancements in European Union (EU) integration and the fostering of enhanced cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbouring countries. While we should aim for greater achievements, the principles of the agreement remain a solid basis for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development and progress towards further integration. When it comes to differences between the entities regarding significant questions such as the judiciary, property, electoral laws or other issues, Serbia’s stance remains consistent. Those matters are Bosnia and Herzegovina’s internal affairs. At the same time, Serbia firmly believes that a consensus is required and is a reliable way to address the current needs and aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“I asked once at a meeting of European Union Ambassadors that they not defend the argument of the two brotherly Slavic nations to us. The issue that we are addressing today serves as evidence of the complex legacy left in the wake of the Yugoslav crisis. The Dayton Peace Agreement, on which Serbia serves as one of the guarantors, was instrumental in concluding the tragic conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and establishing a foundation for a peaceful future. We should not underestimate the significance of what we have already achieved. As outlined in the mission reports of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina maintains a state of stability free from immediate threats to its security. That stability has been sustained for the past 28 years, despite all political tensions and bickering.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“If this world were not tragic, it would be very funny place. We are getting a full lecture about human rights and democracy from a country that was the most famous representative in the twentieth century of the opposite of a beacon of democracy and human rights in Europe. I know that that performance today which — thanks to the higher power and the rules of Security Council, is the last one we will have the honour to listen to — portrayed us in a very malicious way, just as they have in over the past 20 months since 24 February of last year. I want to inform the Council that per capita — and this is fact, not opinion — the highest number of volunteers in the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, including some of its best-known butchers, were from the Albanian ethnic group.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“I would first like to convey my full congratulations to our great friends from the People’s Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, and to Brazil for its great leadership of the Council in the month of October. I wanted to mention that in particular because we have had some different examples of Council presidencies — like in September, when Albania totally misused that position to promote the self-declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija — and I must notify the Albanian Ambassador that in September, October and November, Kosovo and Metohija was and still is a part of the Republic of Serbia. Secondly, I must react to the outrageous, unabashed claim of the Albanian Ambassador. Implicitly, he tried to point the finger at two countries — one of which I represent, and the second is here in the Chamber too.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“After the end of the final proceedings before the Mechanism, my Government expressed its hope and expectation that effective cooperation will be achieved between Serbia and the Mechanism in the manner prescribed by the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In that vein, we also expect that the Mechanism will act in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Long live Serbia.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“The absence of a bilateral agreement therefore cannot in any way be qualified as the Prosecutor did in his report. As regards the complaint by the Office of the Prosecutor of the Mechanism about the denial of crimes and the glorification of convicted persons, we feel once again compelled to clearly state my country’s position. The Republic of Serbia has ended many proceedings in which it supported severe punishment for crimes committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, primarily against its citizens or ethnic Serbs. A large number of proceedings and investigations are ongoing. My country absolutely rejects any accusation either of the denial or glorification of crimes.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Those acquittals are part of the Mechanism’s legacy as well, and they significantly bolster impunity, especially for crimes committed against people of Serbian ethnic origin in our province of Kosovo and Metohija, in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As has been mentioned, the Office of the Prosecutor ignored the fact that Serbia and Croatia are both members of the Council of Europe, which has an adequate legal framework for cooperation in criminal matters. That is ensured both through our national legislation and the application of the European Convention on Extradition and the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, which take precedence over any bilateral agreement regulating the matter of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“For example, in the part of the report referring to cooperation between Serbia and Croatia, the Office of the Prosecutor states that it has previously noted the standstill in the long-standing bilateral negotiations between Croatia and Serbia on establishing an agreement on a framework for war crimes cases and that the status quo in effect ensures nothing but impunity. It is pertinent here to cite examples such as the acquittals of Ramush Haradinaj for serious crimes in the territory of our province of Kosovo and Metohija; of Naser Orić for serious crimes in Podrinje; and Ante Gotovina for serious crimes on the territory of Croatia.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Additional obstacles standing in the way of ending the work of the Mechanism include the continued refusal to return extensive documentation to my country. Once returned, those documents will be open not only to the Mechanism but to historians, researchers and national judicial authorities. We see no reason why they are still in the Mechanism’s possession or why, despite our continuing insistence, the process for returning them has not even begun. I also want to bring the Council’s attention to what we perceive as a very questionable understanding of prosecution regarding the legal framework for regional cooperation in criminal matters.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, proceedings before national judicial authorities can promote justice and strengthen confidence in national judicial systems. We want to indicate the readiness of the judicial authorities of Serbia to take over any case concerning contempt of court or false testimony, with a full guarantee that the proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the proper administration of justice and with full respect for both the Mechanism and the rights of witnesses and the accused. Today we also repeat our request and express my country’s readiness for the prison sentence imposed by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to be carried out in Serbia under the Mechanism’s supervision.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“However, in his report, the Prosecutor of the Mechanism mentioned alleged challenges that threaten to undermine the ability of the Mechanism to complete its work. In that context, the case of Jojić and Radeta is mentioned again. There is no need to repeat here what has already been stated at previous Council meetings, or the reason for the Mechanism’s decision to deny the transfer of that case for contempt of court to the judiciary of the Republic of Serbia. In the context, we can only remind all Council members of paragraph 11 of resolution 2637 (2022), which clearly states that the Security Council “[c]alls upon the Mechanism, as part of its completion strategy, to provide options regarding the transfer of its remaining activities in due course”.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“After that political speech by the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I will try to speak about the relevant cases today before the Security Council. With the end of the proceedings in the case of Stanišić and Simatović, which began more than two decades ago, there is no longer a single case before The Hague branch of the Mechanism concerning serious violations of international humanitarian law on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. We would like to express our expectation that the Mechanism will function in the future as it was designed to by resolution 1966 (2010) and reaffirmed in resolution 2637 (2022), that is, “to be a small, temporary and efficient structure, whose functions and size will diminish over time”.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Stojanović, Vice-President of the Federation entity, visited the elementary school in Belgrade, the scene of one of the shootings, to pay tribute to the victims. Those acts of solidarity go beyond any words, as does the gratitude of the Republic of Serbia. That should serve as a reminder that we have too much in common to question our joint future.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“It is for that reason that we call on all the regional countries to embark on the Open Balkan Initiative. That is a regionally driven initiative. It allows the full synergy of our capacities through the free flow of people, capital, goods and services. It should better prepare us for the common goal of membership in the European Union, originally based on the same principles. Finally, having mentioned all our concerns, I want to point to something that speaks highly of our common hopes. Last week, my country suffered the terrible tragedy of losing 17 predominantly very young lives caused by two mass shootings. On that occasion, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared a day of mourning. Mr. Konaković, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mr.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“We are hopeful that the institutions formed after the elections will provide sustainable progress for the country, its entities and constituent people. The countries of our region need an acceleration of the European Union enlargement process and steady progress in reforms more than ever before. We welcome every step taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina in that direction, as it brings us closer to our common European future. Strengthening comprehensive regional cooperation is an important part of our European integration. It is also essential in dealing with the same strategic challenges. The emigration flow and demographic trends are extremely negative. The region is losing its people. The brain drain threatens to leave Bosnia and the whole Western Balkans deficient in what has always been our primary resource — skilled and educated people.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Therefore, the only path forward for each and every subject in that country, as well as the country as a whole, is through dialogue and agreement. In that context, allow me to state once again that Serbia is consistently and permanently committed to preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. That is in line with the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement and Serbia’s signature on it. Moreover, it reflects our strict adherence to the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, which must be honoured always and without distinction. Accordingly, Serbia considers issues, such as the marking of the Republika Srpska Day, the functioning of joint institutions, the property law and election laws, internal matters of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“That is equally important for the country’s stability and should not be overlooked, despite all the pessimistic predictions. The stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a direct result of the much-criticized Dayton Peace Agreement. Serbia believes that honouring the Dayton Peace Agreement is necessary for international trust-building and the functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The constitutional balance of power between the two entities and among the three main ethnic groups should guarantee equal rights in their joint pursuit of shared goals and common interests. Each unilateral move results in a new challenge and adds to futile attempts to achieve the upper hand in the decision-making process.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Today we are addressing the issue that has been on the Security Council’s agenda for a long time. This is a testimony to the difficult legacy of the Yugoslav crisis and the complex challenges in the post-war period. Nevertheless, we must remind ourselves of major achievements that have been often taken for granted. In the words of the report of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina is stable, and there is no threat to its stability. That was the case for the last 27 years, and despite all the political bickering, that is the case now. I also want to echo something mentioned here. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a platform for any proxy conflict. Nobody in the country wants to be somebody’s pawn on the broader geopolitical chessboard.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Serbia will therefore continue to be committed to peace, security and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the whole of the region to which it belongs.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“In addition to the obvious economic benefits, it should therefore also contribute to the faster realization of the region’s shared foreign policy priorities, above all membership in the European Union. It is therefore our hope that the newly elected representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina will take additional steps towards much closer cooperation within the framework of the Open Balkan Initiative. Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves to see promising prospects for its future, which should include progress in its internal affairs, the strengthening of regional cooperation and accession to the European Union. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Serbia’s immediate neighbours. Its stability and prosperity are substantially linked to Serbia’s well-being.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“We also remain open to joint activities that can bring us closer to our shared goal of EU membership. We are pleased that Bosnia and Herzegovina is showing increasing interest in the format of the Open Balkan Initiative, in which Serbia actively participates with Albania and North Macedonia. The highest-ranking officials of the three countries welcomed Mr. Zoran Tegeltija, the then Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the Open Balkan Summit held recently in Belgrade on 1 and 2 September. The Initiative has already delivered concrete results in achieving its goal of the free flow of people, goods, capital and services.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“It goes without saying that that principle also applies to our relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and to every agreement made by the Bosnian authorities in accordance with the Dayton Agreement. Serbia welcomes the European Commission’s decision of 12 October proposing that Bosnia and Herzegovina be granted candidate status for EU membership. Serbia also strongly supports efforts to find appropriate solutions to outstanding issues, through internal dialogue and consensus between the two entities and three constituent peoples. We firmly believe that the political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina can reach solutions that are accepted by all and for the well-being of all. My Government is ready to share its experience and know-how, based on its own EU-integration process.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“Serbia believes that consensus is the only legitimate and effective way to resolve the issues related to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current needs and aspirations. The Serbian Government has always emphasized the key role of dialogue in reaching agreement between the two entities and three constituent peoples. Externally imposed solutions that violate consensus and disturb the internal system of checks and balances are counterproductive and potentially detrimental to the stability of the country and the region as a whole. Serbia respects the right of every State to independently create its foreign policy, including regarding participation in political and security organizations.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“While we should all continue to strive to improve the success of the outcomes, those achievements should not be underestimated or overlooked. We therefore believe that the Agreement continues to represent very solid ground for the ongoing development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its further progress towards broader integration processes. What is equally important is that the Agreement serves as a foundation for the continuation of the reconciliation process. It enables the building of trust through the condemnation of all the crimes that were committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing all the perpetrators to justice and expressing respect for all their victims, regardless of their ethnic origin. That is the only way to permanent reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“Serbia is also devoted to the transparent development of its relations with Republika Srpska in accordance with the Dayton Agreement, and we remain determined to intensify our cooperation with the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia will continue to act as a reliable partner to ensure the continued enhancement of all-round cooperation and the achievement of mutual interests. The Dayton Peace Agreement, of which Serbia is a guarantor, made it possible to end the tragic conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and establish the basis for a peaceful future. In addition, it enabled economic and social recovery, progress in the process of European Union (EU) integration and the strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cooperation with all its neighbours.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“Within the framework, and according to the spirit, of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Serbia supports Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single State, with two entities, as well as all the decisions made by State institutions under its constitutional powers. Bearing in mind that general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina were held on 2 October, Serbia hopes that the process will be finalized without unnecessary delays and the new State institutions at all levels will assume their responsibilities very soon, in the interests of all citizens. For Serbia, bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina are one of the pillars of regional stability and prosperity. We stand ready to contribute in good faith to the further advancement of our dialogue and cooperation with the institutions in Sarajevo.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“Mr. Stevanović (Serbia): Following the recent presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2022/739), concerning the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, today’s meeting provides the Government of Serbia with another opportunity to emphasize that Serbia consistently respects the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. At the outset, let me state the obvious: Serbia is clearly and firmly committed to preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbour Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9179 (2022) · source
“We call on the international community to support the Initiative, not only to help to preserve peace and stability in the region, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also to build a more prosperous future for the new generation of the Western Balkans.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“We believe that the Open Balkan Initiative is an example of successful regional cooperation and efforts to achieve common goals, including European Union membership. Serbia fully supports the activities within the Berlin process and action plan for establishing the regional market. The Open Balkan Initiative represents a more focused way of putting those ideas into concrete practice. The commitment of all Western Balkan countries to establishing a common regional market will greatly contribute to their stability, as well as to regional stability and security, and is of vital interest to all its citizens.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Sadly, they cannot be brought back to life but what we can and should do is restore confidence in our future by condemning all crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. We must avoid the politicization and misuse of this very painful issue and, in that context, avoid attempts to revise solutions for peace that have been reached thus far. In principle, Serbia does not support the imposition of sanctions as a way of resolving political crises. In that context, we do not support any potential sanctions against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia will not, in any way, impose sanctions on its people or on representatives of Serbian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Instead, Serbia will continue to build trust by strengthening economic, political, cultural and other forms of cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“We believe that that is the only way to find a solution that is acceptable to all. We are convinced that all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina must unite their efforts and make a sincere and consistent contribution to building mutual trust, which will enable more efficient cooperation within the joint institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Republic of Serbia is ready to assist in that process, while reiterating its position that these are internal issues of Bosnia Herzegovina. I would like to take this opportunity to once again confirm our commitment to peace, stability and reconciliation. All victims of conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their ethnicity, deserve our respect, empathy and sincere condolences to their families.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Unilateral interpretations of the Agreement must not be allowed, as that will jeopardize existing peace and stability. At the same time, Serbian policy towards its neighbours is clear — non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina should freely decide upon their own future without pressure or foreign interference. We are explicitly against the imposition of solutions that are not the result of consensus. We believe that such attempts pose a threat to the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region as a whole. Serbia supports the ongoing dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues within Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe that key decisions relevant to its future are to be taken following dialogue and agreement between the entities and among the three constituent peoples.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Our region has a common past, from which we must learn, but we must patiently build the future together, as we have a duty to ensure lasting peace for generations to come. The Republic of Serbia takes this opportunity to once again reaffirm its respect for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the territorial integrity of the Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a guarantor of the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement, Serbia wishes to point out that, 27 years after the signing of the accord, it is important to reaffirm the validity of, and full respect for, the Agreement, which put an end to the civil war and provided the basis for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout our region. That has been and will continue to be our position.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“We consider Bosnia and Herzegovina to be our key partner in achieving those goals. Unfortunately, recently, the region of the Western Balkans has been burdened with unnecessary political tensions, messages and political narratives that represent obstruction to any constructive solution. That has significantly marked the recent political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including relations between the two entities and the three constituent peoples. Serbia firmly believes that its active policy contributes positively to the process of reconciliation in our region and to the strengthening of good-neighbourly relations. Dialogue, along with mutual respect for the legitimate interests of all parties involved, is the most effective way to preserve the peace and stability of the region in order to build a better future for all of us.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“Mr. Stevanović (Serbia): I thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the members of Security Council and all other speakers for their statements. Today’s meeting of the Security Council on the report of the High Representative (see S/2022/374) takes place at a time when the international community is facing many challenges and when the importance of respecting the principles of international law is being fully reaffirmed. Serbia is a staunch supporter and firm advocate for full respect for international law. Peace and stability in our region and the development of good relations and cooperation in all areas with our closest neighbours are the top foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Serbia. We believe that those goals are for the benefit of our citizens and all people in the region.”
2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source
“The Serbian and Bosnian Prosecutors met in Sarajevo in November to further discuss cooperation regarding the referral of criminal cases and concrete steps to be taken the near future. We believe that it can be concluded that the cooperation between Serbia and the Residual Mechanism has been successful. Therefore, we expect that the Security Council will be actively engaged in the matters it has initiated.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“War crimes proceedings represent one of the especially important issues within our European integration process. During the reporting period, the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor of Serbia worked to strengthen cooperation with regional prosecutors. A regional conference of the prosecutors took place in Belgrade on 21-22 September and was supported by the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of the United Kingdom, with the active participation of the representatives of the Offices of the Prosecutors of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro, as well as by the representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor of the Residual Mechanism, presided by Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source