YouSaid · the spoken record

Sven Alkalaj

lines on the record

50

first

2020-05-06

most recent

2021-05-04

sittings or episodes

5

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

1. “There is nothing more important than an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the globe to strengthen diplomatic action, help create conditions for delivery of life-saving aid and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bosnia and Herzegovina stands ready to cooperate with States Members of the United Nations and the broader United Nations family on this critical issue, which is among the most pressing the world is facing today. Finally, we would like to express the readiness of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to continuing their work to secure a better and more prosperous future for its citizens, as well as our gratitude to our international partners for supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on that path.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

2. “In these challenging times, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to contribute actively to international peace and security by deploying its military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Currently, we have approximately 45 personnel serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. I would like to reiterate that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports the United Nations peace and security efforts in conflict situations and has endorsed the call of Secretary-General António Guterres for a global ceasefire, in order to silence the guns, stop violence and speak out for peace.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

3. “On 20 May 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations will sign a new five-year agreement, for the period from 2021 to 2025. The international migrant crisis continues to pose a substantial challenge to the States of the region and their economies. For some time now, Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced a significant increase in refugees and migrants on its territory, most of whom crossed the borders illegally. Bearing in mind our lack of national capacity, as well as the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the final destination for most migrants, our authorities need stronger international support. In this respect, for a comprehensive response, the country’s institutions need much greater support from the EU, as well as from the relevant United Nations agencies.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

4. “The judicial institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to process individuals involved in fighting on behalf of terrorist organizations, as well as those who facilitate the recruitment of terrorist fighters. With regard to processing war crimes in domestic courts, we would reiterate that fighting impunity is vital for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a complex and multi-ethnic State. The country also continues to pursue a very important planning, monitoring and evaluation process in the field of social and economic development that is fully in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In that regard, let me express our gratitude to the United Nations country team in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its outstanding contribution to and tireless efforts in assisting our institutions in fulfilling our development agenda.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

5. “We would like to underline that the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with other institutions in the country, is finalizing a new, revised strategy for preventing and combating terrorism. EU experts have been working together with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to implement the 2018- 2022 action plan for the prevention of money-laundering and financing of terrorist activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The rule of law is one of the highest priorities on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reform agenda. In this regard, it is necessary for existing law under rulings of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina be accordingly revised.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

6. “Bosnia and Herzegovina has continued to actively participate in regional cooperation through the South-East European Cooperation Process, the Western Balkans Fund and the Central European Initiative, inter alia, and maintains good- neighbourly relations with countries of the region. The fostering of friendly and constructive cooperation among the countries of the region on issues of mutual interest remains a top priority in the country’s foreign policy. The cooperation of the Western Balkan States within the framework of the Berlin process remains a key driver of their integration into the European Union and of stability in the region. During the reporting period, Bosnia and Herzegovina has continued to fulfil its international obligations with respect to countering terrorism and violent extremism.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

7. “The country’s authorities are fully committed to overcoming challenges and implementing the reforms required for full-fledged integration into the European Union (EU). The authorities will be working towards implementing reforms and meeting EU requirements for attaining candidacy status this year. In accordance with the plan for implementing the recommendations set forth in the opinion of the European Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the rules of procedure of the Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union, which is an important step forward in the European integration.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

8. “For this reason, the assistance of international financial institutions, in particular the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, would be welcome, so as to overcome the negative economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, the role of the United Nations will be indispensable through the United Nations country team and, of course, the United Nations Development Programme, the WHO and UNICEF, among others. Let me now turn to some points relating to other aspects of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The security situation in the country continues to be peaceful and calm, which has been regularly reflected in the reports of the European Union military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

9. “During the COVID-19 outbreak, health services were provided to all persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including migrants and asylum seekers, irrespective of citizenship or health-insurance status. In addition to affecting the health-care system, the pandemic has also had a strong impact on our economy. According to recent figures, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s gross domestic product in 2020 declined by 4.6 per cent. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities have introduced some essential measures to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic. Urgent financial packages have been created to help those suffering the most.”

   2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

10. “In that regard, it is essential to highlight the crucial role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in securing equitable access to COVID-19- related health products and vaccines. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our international partners China, Turkey, Serbia and Slovenia for their generous donations of COVID-19 vaccines. In the meantime, our doctors, nurses, first responders and many others have undertaken indispensable efforts, risking their lives in the fight against this ferocious and highly contagious disease. Our hospitals, medical and other relevant institutions have done a tremendous job in combating this invisible enemy.”

    2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

11. “At the outset, I would like to congratulate the President on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May, and to wish him and his delegation every success. We also welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and have taken note of his report on the situation in the country covering the period from 16 October 2020 through 15 April 2021. Let me first address the most urgent issues concerning the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The authorities have been undertaking all measures necessary to getting the sufficient number of vaccines for immunizing our population. It is important to underline that our authorities are not satisfied with the pace of delivery of the prepaid vaccines from the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility system, which is unreasonably slow.”

    2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source

12. “This is most important for reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as our path towards membership in the European Union, the main foreign policy goal, which has broad consensus among all political parties in the country. Keeping in mind that we recently marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the end of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, we are fully committed to continuing to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and economic development. We will continue to work to strengthen the justice system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full justice means more trust, stability and progress.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

13. “Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterates the importance of consistent cooperation among the prosecutors’ offices and the competent authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring countries, Croatia and Serbia, in accordance with the principles of international justice and the rule of law, which is crucial for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes. Finally, I would like to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to investigating, prosecuting and punishing all persons responsible for war crimes, regardless of their nationality, political or other affiliation. We would also like to emphasize that witness protection is of the utmost importance for all judicial institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

14. “We would also like to reiterate our commitment to its work and to call on all Member States to meet their obligations and contribute to the smooth running of the Mechanism. We would like to express our gratitude for the support of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations Development Programme in terms of strengthening the human and material resources of judicial institutions prosecuting war crimes and in terms of general capacity-building.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

15. “It is also a step towards strengthening the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as stated in the opinion of the European Commission issued in May of 2019. The implementation of the revised strategy will send a very strong message that impunity will not, and must not, be allowed. It is also important for reconciliation and progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in the Western Balkans region. I would like to remind you, Mr. President, that over the years the cooperation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the ICTY and its successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, has been stable and complete, as evidenced by its reports. In the same vein, we remain committed to actively contributing to the Mechanism’s efforts to accomplish its mission.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

16. “The overall situation with the spread of the coronavirus disease, as well as the introduction of adequate measures to suppress the epidemic, has had a significant impact on the work of judicial institutions in the country. The work of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which mostly deal with the still unfinished and most complex war crimes cases, was particularly affected. I would like to inform members that the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at its session held on 24 September 2020, adopted a revised national war crimes processing strategy. The adoption of this decision was recognized by the Security Council, and we are very grateful for its support. The revised strategy is important for our judicial institutions to make additional efforts and conclude all unresolved war crimes cases.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

17. “We wish to underline the importance of successfully concluding the mandate of the Mechanism in an efficient manner and within a reasonable time frame, which is crucial for justice and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. The coronavirus disease pandemic has had an impact on the actions and activities of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals since the Security Council last met on this topic (see S/2020/527). I would like to inform Council members that the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in coordination with the authorities of both entities and the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has taken all responsible measures in combating the spread of COVID-19.”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

18. “At the outset, let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We wish you every success in performing your duties during these unprecedented circumstances caused by the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). I would also like to thank the President and the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for their respective reports and for today’s comprehensive briefings. We are grateful that the Mechanism continued to make progress in its work during the reporting period and continues to function despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We note the continued progress made by the Mechanism in fulfilling the remaining activities of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).”

    2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source

19. “There is nothing more important than an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the globe to reinforce diplomatic action, help create conditions for the delivery of life-saving aid and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Bosnia and Herzegovina stands ready to cooperate with the States Members of the United Nations and the United Nations broader family on this critical and most pressing issue that the world is facing today. Finally, we would like to express the readiness of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to continue their work in securing a better and prosperous future for its citizens, as well as our gratitude to our international partners for supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on that path.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

20. “However, for a comprehensive response, the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina need much more support from the European Union as well as from United Nations agencies. Bosnia and Herzegovina continues in these challenging times to contribute actively to international peace and security by deploying its military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Currently, we have approximately 45 personnel serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. I would like to reiterate that Bosnia and Herzegovina has fully endorsed the call of the Secretary-General, António Guterres, for a global ceasefire in all conflicts worldwide in order to silence the guns, stop the violence and raise voices for peace.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

21. “The international migrant crisis continues to pose a substantial challenge to the States of the region and their economies. During the reporting period Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced a significant increase in refugees and migrants on its territory, most of whom crossed the border illegally. It is important to emphasize that the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina do not have enough capacity to implement and undertake all the measures necessary to curb the migrant crisis. Bearing in mind the lack of capacity and the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a final destination for migrants, our Government is in need of stronger international support. We are grateful to the European Commission’s financial support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities in handling migration and strengthening its capacity for border management.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

22. “With regard to processing war crimes in domestic courts, we would like to reiterate that fighting impunity is vital for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a complex, multinational State. Bosnia and Herzegovina is continuing with a very important planning, monitoring and evaluation process in the field of social and economic development that is fully in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In that regard, let me express our gratitude to the United Nations country team in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its outstanding contribution to, and tireless efforts in, assisting our institutions on the development agenda. I would like to draw your attention, Madam President, to one of the main concerns of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities, namely, the issue of illegal migrants.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

23. “During the reporting period, Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to fulfil its international obligations with regard to countering terrorism and violent extremism. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with extensive support from the EU, has taken significant steps forward in strengthening the rule of law and the fight against organized crime. EU experts have been working together with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the implementation of the 2018-2022 action plan for the prevention of money-laundering and financing of terrorist activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The judicial institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to process individuals involved in fighting on behalf of terrorist organizations, as well as those who facilitate the recruitment of terrorist fighters.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

24. “The fostering of friendly and constructive cooperation among the countries of the region on issues of mutual interest remains a top priority of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy. The cooperation of the Western Balkan States within the framework of the Berlin process remains a key driver of their integration into the European Union and of stability in the region. Bosnia and Herzegovina plays an active role in regional initiatives through the South-East European Cooperation Process, the Western Balkans Fund and the Central European Initiative, inter alia. Let me mention as a good example of regional cooperation the Sarajevo-Belgrade highway construction project, in the framework of cooperation among three partner countries, namely, Serbia, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

25. “Most important, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have taken resolute steps towards candidacy status and prospective negotiations with the European Union with regard to the plan for implementation of the recommendations contained in the opinion of the European Commission. The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted the rules of procedure of the Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union as an important step forward in European integration. Bosnia and Herzegovina has continued to participate actively in regional cooperation and to maintain good-neighbourly relations.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

26. “In that regard, we are grateful to the EU for its active support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path and would like to urge both the EU and its member States to continue to intensify that support. For our part, we have made increased efforts in a number of areas relevant to achieving that goal, including the implementation of the reform agenda and socioeconomic reforms as a matter of priority, as well as our continuing determination to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in order to fulfil the requirements of the European Union to obtain candidacy status in 2021.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

27. “Citizens throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to exercise their rights and cast their votes to elect members of municipal councils, members of city assemblies and mayors. The Council of Ministers has continued the cooperation with the entity Governments on issues concerning the European integration and reform processes, targeting the stabilization of the economy, increased effectiveness of public administration, and attraction of domestic and foreign investments enabling job creation. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina are fully committed to overcoming the challenges facing them and to implementing the reforms required for the country’s full-fledged integration into the European Union.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

28. “In that regard, the role of the United Nations will be indispensable through the United Nations country team and, of course, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and others. Let me now turn to some points relating to other aspects of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina are scheduled to take place on 15 November. Also, overcoming the 12-year stalemate, the Central Election Commission has adopted a decision whereby local elections in the town of Mostar will be held on 20 December. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have finalized all necessary measures in order to enable that the elections be held smoothly, and in a democratic and credible manner.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

29. “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities have introduced some necessary measures to mitigate those negative effects. Some urgent financial packages have been created in order to help those suffering most. These efforts will take time and significant resources to recover from the unforeseen situation caused by the virus, which has claimed so many human lives worldwide. We would like to thank the European Union for rendering the immediate support to our health-care sector in tackling the coronavirus, as well as the assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina to address long-term social and economic recovery needs. Also, the assistance of the international financial institutions would be welcome, especially from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to overcome the negative economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

30. “During the COVID-19 outbreak, health services have been provided to all persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including migrants and asylum seekers, irrespective of citizenship or health insurance status. Doctors, nurses, first responders and many others have been risking their lives in fighting this ferocious and highly contagious disease. We take this opportunity to thank all of them for their indispensable efforts and dedication. We would also like to thank our international partners for the valuable assistance and support they have rendered in these difficult times for humankind. In addition to its impact on our health system, this pandemic hits our vulnerable economy very hard. According to an estimate by the International Monetary Fund, the gross domestic product of Bosnia and Herzegovina will decrease by 5 per cent in 2020.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

31. “Over recent years, in order to correspond to the situation on the ground, EUFOR Althea has been reconfigured, while the primary focus of the mission has shifted from deterrence and activities for providing a safe and secure environment, to capacity-building and training. Let me address the most urgent issues concerning the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities have responded very swiftly to the outbreak and various urgent and necessary measures have been put in place to contain spread of virus. All resources at our disposal have been mobilized. Our hospitals, medical and other relevant institutions have done a tremendous job to fight an unseen enemy.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

32. “It is important to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina as a host country has enjoyed respectable and fruitful cooperation with EUFOR Althea, particularly in the areas of capacity-building and the training of its armed forces. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been peaceful and calm for a long period of time, which has been regularly reflected in the reports of EUFOR Althea as well as in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. The EUFOR Althea mission is mandated to support the implementation of military aspects of Peace Agreement and to ensure compliance with annexes 1-A and 2 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

33. “At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November, and to wish you and your delegation every success. We also welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and have taken note of his report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering the period from 16 April through 15 October 2020 (S/2020/1052, annex). We welcome the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of the resolution extending the mandate of the European Union-led military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR Althea, which has been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

34. “Finally, I would like to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to investigating, prosecuting and punishing all persons responsible for war crimes, regardless of their nationality or political or other affiliation. We would also like to emphasize that protecting witnesses is of the utmost importance for all judicial institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is most important for reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as for our path towards the European Union, which is our main foreign policy goal, enjoying broad consensus among all political parties in the country. We will continue to work on strengthening our national judicial system. Full justice means greater trust, stability and progress.”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

35. “We would like to highlight our appreciation of the support of the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations Development Programme in strengthening the human and material resources of judicial institutions processing war crimes and in general capacity-building. Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterates the importance of consistent cooperation among the prosecutors’ offices and the relevant authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the neighbouring countries, Croatia and Serbia, in accordance with the principles of international justice and the rule of law, which is crucial to investigating and prosecuting war crimes.”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

36. “I would like to remind you, Sir, that throughout the years, cooperation by Bosnia and Herzegovina with the ICTY and its successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, has been steadfast and full, as evidenced in their reports. In the same vein, we remain devoted to contributing actively to the Mechanism’s efforts to accomplish its mission. We would also like to reiterate our commitment to its work, and to invite all Member States to fulfil their obligations and contribute to the unobstructed work of the Mechanism.”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

37. “The whole situation with the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the adequate measures introduced to suppress the pandemic, has had a significant impact on the work of judicial institutions in the country. The work of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is tackling the most, still unfinished and most complicated war crime cases, has been particularly affected. On 30 April 2020, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a new organization of work for all Courts and the Prosecutor’s Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the light of the current health situation in the country.”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

38. “I also would like to underline that the successful conclusion of the Mechanism’s mandate in an efficient manner and within a reasonable time frame is of crucial importance for justice and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. We must also acknowledge that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had some impact on the actions and activities of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals since the Security Council last met on this topic (see S/PV.8681). At the same time, competent authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have taken all responsible measures in fighting the spread of the COVID-19. The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared a state of emergency and set mandatory quarantines.”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

39. “At the outset, let me congratulate you, Madam President, on France’s assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council for this month. We wish you every success in performing your duties during this difficult and unprecedented time, caused by spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). I would also like to thank to the President and the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for their respective reports and comprehensive briefings today. We are grateful that the Mechanism has continued making progress throughout the reporting period and continued functioning despite the COVID-19 pandemic. We note the continued progress made by the Mechanism in fulfilling residual activities of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).”

    2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source

40. “At this very challenging time, there is nothing more important than an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the globe to reinforce diplomatic action, help create conditions for the delivery of life-saving aid and bring hope to some of the places that are most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bosnia and Herzegovina stands ready to cooperate with United Nations Member States and the broader United Nations family on this most critical and pressing issue that the world is facing today. Finally, we would like to express the readiness of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to continue their work to secure a better and more prosperous future for its citizens, as well as my country’s gratitude to its international partners for supporting us on that path.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

41. “We are grateful to the European Commission for its financial support to bolster our authorities’ migration and border-management capabilities, but for an effective response, our institutions need much more support from the European Union and United Nations agencies. In these trying times, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to contribute actively to international peace and security by deploying its military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions. We currently have approximately 45 people serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. Bosnia and Herzegovina has endorsed the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire of all conflicts worldwide in order to silence the guns, stop violence and raise voices for peace.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

42. “The international migrant crisis continues to pose a substantial challenge to the States of the region and their economies. In the past year, my country has registered a significant increase of refugees and migrants on its territory, most of whom crossed the border illegally. Our institutions do not have the capacity to implement the necessary measures to curb the migrant crisis in accordance with the highest European and international standards. Bearing in mind that lack of capacity and the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a final destination for migrants, our Government is in need of stronger international support, especially from the European Union, which is often the migrants’ final destination.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

43. “With regard to prosecuting war crimes in domestic courts, we would like to reiterate that, as a complex and multinational State, Bosnia and Herzegovina believes that fighting impunity is vital. With regard to socioeconomic development, Bosnia and Herzegovina is continuing to develop a critical planning, monitoring and evaluation process that is fully in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In that connection, let me express our gratitude to the United Nations country team in Bosnia and Herzegovina for its outstanding contributions and tireless efforts to assist our institutions in the implementation of a development agenda. I would like to draw the Council’s attention to one of the main concerns of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities — the issue of illegal migrants.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

44. “During the reporting period, Bosnia and Herzegovina continued to fulfil its international obligations with regard to countering terrorism and violent extremism. With the extensive support of the EU, Bosnia and Herzegovina took significant steps to strengthen the rule of law and fight against organized crime. EU experts have been working together with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities to implement the Action Plan on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the period 2018-2022. The judicial institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to prosecute individuals who fight for terrorist organizations, as well as those who facilitate the recruitment of terrorist fighters.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

45. “The fostering of friendly and constructive cooperation among the countries of the region on issues of mutual interest remains a top priority of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign policy. The cooperation of Western Balkan States within the framework of the Berlin process remains a key driver of their integration into the European Union and of regional stability. Bosnia and Herzegovina plays an active role in regional initiatives through the South-East European Cooperation Process, the Western Balkans Fund and the Central European Initiative, to name a few. The construction of the Sarajevo-Belgrade highway is a good example of cooperation among three partner countries — Serbia, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

46. “In that regard, we are grateful to the EU for actively supporting my country’s European path. We urge the EU and its member States to maintain and intensify that support. For our part, we have redoubled our efforts in a number of relevant areas, including the implementation of the reform agenda and socioeconomic reforms as a matter of priority. We affirm our unflagging determination to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in order to fulfil the EU requirements for obtaining candidacy status. Most importantly, on 28 April the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina took a decisive step towards obtaining candidacy status and beginning membership negotiations with the European Union by adopting a plan for implementing the European Commission’s 2019 recommendations.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

47. “The new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina was appointed by the Parliamentary Assembly in December. The Council of Ministers has continued to cooperate with the entity Governments on issues related to European integration and on reform processes to stabilize the economy, increase the effectiveness of public administration and attract domestic and foreign investments in order to enable job creation. In November, the Government adopted a national reform plan that defines the country’s future relations with the Atlantic alliance, a document that was subsequently submitted to NATO in order to implement the 2016 review. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina are fully committed to overcoming the remaining challenges and implementing the necessary reforms for full-fledged integration into the European Union (EU).”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

48. “Some urgent financial packages have been created in order to help those suffering the most. These efforts will take time, and significant resources will be necessary to recover from the unprecedented situation caused by the virus, which has claimed so many human lives worldwide. Lastly, we need the assistance of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international financial institutions to overcome the negative economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that connection, the role of the United Nations, including through its country team, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, will be indispensable. Let me now turn to some points relating to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

49. “All resources at our disposal have been mobilized. Our hospitals and medical and other relevant institutions had to adapt overnight to these new and unforeseen circumstances. Doctors, nurses, first responders and many others are rising to the challenge, risking their lives in fighting this ferocious and highly contagious disease. We take this opportunity to thank all of them for their indispensable efforts and dedication. We would also like to thank our international partners for the valuable assistance and support that has been rendered in these difficult times for all humankind. In addition to its impact on our health system, the pandemic has hit our vulnerable economy very hard. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities have introduced some necessary measures to mitigate those negative effects.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source

50. “At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May and to wish you and your delegation every success. We also welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and have taken note of his report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina covering the period from 16 October 2019 through 15 April 2020 (S/2020/345, annex). First, let me address the most urgent issue. The first cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bosnia and Herzegovina were confirmed at the beginning of March. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities responded very swiftly. Various urgent and necessary measures have been put in place to contain the spread of the virus, including declaring a state of emergency and setting mandatory quarantines.”

    2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source