YouSaid · the spoken record

Vale De Almeida

lines on the record: 397
first: 2015-11-10
most recent: 2019-07-09
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“We are also active in developing strategic communications outside the EU. We have set up a task force on strategic communications working with Middle Eastern and North African countries to identify shared values and develop concrete communication actions. In conclusion, terrorism and violent extremism are global challenges, and the United Nations has a central role in supporting Member States in this endeavour. Only together can we pool the sufficient resources and expertise required to address them. A joint approach based on our shared values is a sine qua non.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We have launched an EU Internet Forum, which serves as a platform for relevant stakeholders, such as ministries, law enforcement agencies, Internet companies and civil society, to work together to identify common tools, best practices, innovative and new solutions to tackle all IT-related issues of terrorism. Main priorities in that domain should be to reduce the accessibility of terrorist content online, empower civil society partners to increase the volume of effective narratives that are more attractive to young people than terrorist content. We have also set up a referral mechanism with the European Police Office to help EU countries and Internet companies to identify terrorist material online, Initial results have been very positive and we are again ready to share our experience with the United Nations on that initiative.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“At the external level, we also address root causes by continuing to provide material support and capacity- building to developing countries, aimed at poverty reduction, ensuring sustainable economic, social and environmental development, democracy, the rule of law, good governance and human rights. These are critical pieces of the anti-radicalization challenge. As you, Sir, rightly identify in the concept note (S/2016/2016, annex) prepared for this debate, misuse of the Internet and social media by terrorists in order to target our youngest, most vulnerable citizens with messages of violence is another complex challenge that we need to tackle while simultaneously upholding the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and freedom of information.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Such subjects include detention, reintegration, the rule of law and criminal justice efforts that are needed, preventing violent extremism, foreign terrorist fighters. We are also actively supporting the three GCTF inspired institutes: the Hedayah Centre, the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund in Switzerland, and the International Institute on Justice and the Rule of Law in Malta. Education, youth participation, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, as well as offering employment possibilities and promoting social inclusion, are key to preventing radicalization by promoting common values, fostering social inclusion, building resilience and enhancing mutual understanding and tolerance. In support of EU member States, the European Commission is developing a series of concrete actions.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Some 2,000 European practitioners - such as teachers, health- care workers, social and youth workers, prison officers and non-governmental organizations - exchange good practices on the prevention of radicalization. This approach is based on understanding root causes and the goal is to proposed practical tools and recommendations to both practitioners and policymakers. We are ready to share our expertise in the United Nations framework. Externally, we are an active member of various initiatives, such as the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and its working groups, where members and non-members exchange good practices on a variety of subjects related to the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“As the top tier of terrorists is removed or brought to justice, it is increasingly important that we increase preventive actions to ensure that they are not replaced by new recruits who are younger and more technically sophisticated. From the criminal justice perspective, we are in the process of ratifying the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. We are currently negotiating comprehensive criminal law provisions in the draft European directives on combating terrorism and on passenger name record data. In addition, ongoing efforts are also being undertaken in order to support knowledge-sharing within the European Union.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“This set of measures is also linked to our engagement at the external level, where we have increased our support to partner countries for capacity-building and compliance with the legal requirements of Security Council resolutions and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force. Stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and tackling their return is another complex challenge where international cooperation is needed. We strongly support action under resolution 2178 (2014) and the recommendations for its implementation contained in the guiding principles adopted in Madrid in July 2015, as well as efforts to bolster international action to prevent violent extremism.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The European Council, our leaders, is currently preparing a decision to amend the listing criteria in line with the resolutions 2253 (2015) and 2178 (2014); it will be complemented by a Council regulation to determine the specific restrictive measures to be applied to those persons and entities listed. The European Commission has also issued an action plan to strengthen the fight against terrorist financing, identifying short- and medium-term measures aimed at, first, tackling the abuse of our financial system for terrorist purposes and, secondly, at targeting the sources of funding, including by considering a wider response to illicit trafficking in cultural goods and wildlife.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“When it comes to detecting the movement of funds, tracking systems such as the Terrorist Financing Tracking Programme are key tools; nevertheless, there is a need to also focus on low-cost terrorist operations that can still have a devastating effect and that use new modalities of payment, which are difficult to track. In response, the European Union has already taken important steps. Following the adoption of the resolution 2199 (2015), we started the review of our legislative framework in order to meet enhanced requirements for the criminalization ofthe financing of terrorism. The European Commission has proposed a draft directive on combating terrorism that is expected to be adopted by the end this year.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We have strengthened our approach at the internal and external levels with non-EU member states and others. We have presented our renewed vision in a European Agenda on Security. Terrorist organizations, as well as individual terrorists, need financing to maintain their networks, to recruit and supply, and to commit terrorist acts. Cutting off their sources of financing is imperative yet increasingly challenging, due to the new trends that have emerged with Da'esh and the returning terrorist fighters, such as trafficking in resources and cultural heritage artefacts. These need to be addressed through modernized legislation, better multilateral and bilateral cooperation, and exchange of key information.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Horrific terrorist attacks around the globe remind us of the need to join forces and give a comprehensive response. Terrorism cannot be defeated with security measures alone; we need to act together and we need to strengthen our preventive dimension to respond to radicalization and recruitment in a holistic manner. All these measures should uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. The European Union has a long-standing and comprehensive engagement in countering terrorism and preventing radicalization and recruitment. Yet there is long way to go. Our foreign affairs Ministers recently renewed their commitment to comprehensive counter- terrorist measures with enhanced and more coordinated action.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. Ten other countries align themselves with this statement: the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate ahead the upcoming anniversary review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and following on the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism presented by the Secretary-General. I would like to thank the Secretary General for that and for his briefing.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The EU would also like to commend the important work of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in Afghanistan, and calls on all parties in Afghanistan to implement the conclusions adopted by the Working Group on 2 March. In conclusion, international engagement remains fundamental to Afghanistan's future. The Brussels conference aims to facilitate such engagement and mobilize support, matched by an equally strong commitment on the part of the Government of Afghanistan to delivering on concrete reform objectives and achieving real change. The consequences of disengagement should not be underestimated, and we value UNAMA's critical role in promoting peace and security for all Afghans.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“This will include further improving governance and the rule of law, promoting sustainable development results, and implementing effective measures on anti-corruption and counter-narcotics. The fostering of full respect for human rights, and in particular the human rights of women and girls, will remain a cornerstone of our cooperation. Afghanistan will need the ongoing commitment of the international community at or near current levels to continue on the path to sustainability. Concrete commitments and delivery by both the Government of Afghanistan and the international community, including partners in the region, will underpin the Brussels conference. It is for the Afghan National Unity Government, the international and the regional partners alike to maintain the momentum for reform, for Afghan self-reliance and for peace.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“We should ensure the promotion of the rights and the continued active and equal involvement and participation of women in Afghanistan at all levels of society. To this end, the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the National Unity Government's national action plan on women, peace and security for 2015-2022 are crucial. The EU supports Afghanistan through comprehensive political, security and development efforts, and will continue to do so. We look forward to the NATO Warsaw Summit in July, which will contribute to the reform and sustainment of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. The Brussels conference on Afghanistan, to be held on 4 and 5 October, will reaffirm the commitment of the international community to Afghanistan's economic and political development over the coming years.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Credit should go to President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and other leaders in the region for their endeavours in this regard. The EU also encourages the strengthening of regional cooperation in border management and anti-narcotics activities. Electoral reform is crucial for Afghanistan. The electoral reform process has made some, albeit slow, progress. The parliamentary and district council elections, provisionally planned for 15 October, rely on further electoral reform to ensure a fair, democratic process. The EU welcomes the nominations of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Interior in Afghanistan, and hope that this will renew momentum to effectively implement reforms in this sector and overcome vested interests opposed to it.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“This would contribute to reducing the migratory pressures that weigh so heavily on Afghanistan's neighbours and on the States members of the EU. Despite the challenges of cooperation in the Central and South Asian regions, the recent progress made through developments in ambitious regional infrastructure projects is promising. The Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline project, linking Central and South Asia, could create a new momentum for regional economic cooperation and connectivity, particularly in collaboration with a regionally backed peace process. The EU also continues to be a reliable partner in regionally owned processes, including the Heart of Asia process, which has shown encouraging signs of improving regional dynamics.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“The EU welcomes the nomination for appointment of the new President of the High Peace Council in Afghanistan in the hope that this will help facilitate future negotiations. The signal of meaningful peace talks would have a huge positive effect on economic development and governance in Afghanistan, as well as international efforts to that end, directly contributing to a sustainable Afghan State. We call on all countries, in particular Afghanistan's neighbours, to support such an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. It is time to invest in Afghanistan's stability and prosperity and to abandon the tactics of violence, destabilization and misery. Afghan women and men need to regain confidence in their future.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“The European Union fully supports the efforts being made towards the start ofpeace and reconciliation talks between the Government of Afghanistan and insurgency groups, as sponsored by the United States, China and Pakistan. The Quadrilateral Coordination Group on the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Process has been working hard to create the conditions for renewed talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. We hope that such a first meeting can materialize soon and become an ongoing process. Afghan leaders should ensure that any delegation engaging in direct talks is representative of wider Afghan society. Afghan women must be able to participate fully in negotiations on the future of their country.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“The role of the United Nations continues to be vital in assisting the National Unity Government in implementing its priorities. The security situation in Afghanistan remains tense, as highlighted by the Secretary-General's report. The EU is concerned that the number of civilian casualties caused by conflict and attacks by all fighting parties have reached record numbers, with insurgency attacks very often indiscriminately targeting the civilian population and increasingly affecting women and children. We need to be very clear on this. The EU condemns these insurgent groups' attacks, which threaten the stability and progress ofAfghanistan. More than ever, we need to continue to protect the vital role of humanitarian agencies and respect their impartiality and humanitarian space in addressing the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Let me start by reiterating the EU's full support for the continued important role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and all the United Nations agencies in supporting the Afghan people,and in coordinating the international community's assistance. The successful implementation of the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework is essential to advancing reforms that are crucial to Afghanistan's development and stability. It is the results from these reforms that will underpin the unity of the Government and a continued unity of purpose and the confidence of the Afghan people in the country's future. The conference to be convened in Brussels in October will be an additional step in that direction.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania - all candidates countries to join the European Union; the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2016/218) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan for his briefing.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“We will maintain our support for the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law and strengthened accountability for serious violations.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The EU is committed to assisting States to strengthen their national judicial and correctional systems, so as to enable them to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of atrocity crimes. Furthermore, closer cooperation between the ICC and missions in the field is of vital importance. When a peace operation is to be deployed in an ICC-situation country, its mandate should authorize it to facilitate or assist the ICC, including by assisting authorities in the protection of witnesses and the arrest and surrender of individuals subject to arrest warrants issued by the Court. To conclude, the EU remains a loyal United Nations partner. The Security Council can count on our support in reinforcing the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including through support to United Nations peace operations and through our own missions.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“In that context, United Nations peace operations need to be staffed and equipped in a way that allows United Nations personnel to better interact with the local population and civil society organizations, including women's rights-oriented groups, with the overarching aim of responding to warning signals and reducing the risk of atrocity crimes. The implementation of the Human Rights Up Front initiative should make a positive contribution in that regard. In cases where international efforts fail and atrocity crimes are committed, accountability is crucial. Where mandated or when the host State has consented thereto, United Nations peace operations should be equipped and staffed with the capability and expertise to assist in transparent investigations and support the collection of evidence in a professional manner.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“For its part, the EU has provided training on the protection of civilians, atrocity prevention, gender and child protection, human rights law and international humanitarian law as an integral part of the training curricula for its missions in Somalia, Mali and the Niger. United Nations peace operations should also play a critical role in assisting the host States in the implementation of the responsibility to protect, as those operations are often in the frontline when a State is unable or unwilling to protect civilians from the risk of atrocity crimes.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Different levels of threat must be met with the appropriate and commensurate use of force, as necessary. In many ways, training is the cornerstone of improving the protection of civilians by missions. Such training should also include predeployment and in-mission training on child protection, as well as on sexual exploitation and abuse. The EU is supportive of the United Nations zero-tolerance policy in that regard. Nothing is more damning to the legitimacy of international peacekeeping and efforts to regain the trust of local populations than peacekeepers abusing those whom they are mandated to protect.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The emphasis on the role ofpolitical processes, conflict prevention, early warning and partnerships in those reports is also key for efforts to advance the protection of civilians. However, many challenges remain in terms of the effective implementation of protection mandates, and we need to continue to address them. For example, effective implementation requires better planning support for missions, applying lessons learned effectively and improving the understanding of how to support host States in their efforts to protect civilians. Operations need to be equipped with the necessary tools to address both the root causes of crises and their most visible consequences. Peacekeepers must protect civilians under threat of physical violence, in a manner consistent with the requirements of their mandates.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“However, every case that is brought before the ICC represents, at the same time, a failure on the part of national Governments and the international community to prevent conflicts and atrocity crimes. Given the magnitude of sexual and gender-based crimes in times of conflict, the EU appreciates the special attention accorded by the Prosecutor of the ICC to such crimes. For a number of years already, the mandates of many United Nations peacekeeping and other missions have included the protection of civilians. It remains a crucial dimension that is often decisive for the success and legitimacy of an operation. The EU welcomes the centrality of the protection of civilians in United Nations peacekeeping, as put forward in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446) and the reports of the Secretary-General.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Children are disproportionately affected by armed conflicts, and grave violations against children continue to increase. The situation of children in Syria is of utmost concern. National authorities have the primary responsibility to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights. However, where national authorities are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps to ensure accountability, other mechanisms mustbe used to ensure that accountability. The International Criminal Court (ICC) should exercise jurisdiction, where applicable. The Security Council has an important role to play in that regard, given its global mandate to make referrals to the Court. The EU is a firm supporter ofthe ICC and its work.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“We encourage all States to participate in ongoing discussions on exactly how such a new forum might work. The EU is implementing its guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and is making full use of all of the tools at its disposal. The EU and its member States are committed to continuing their efforts to promote dissemination of and training in international humanitarian law inside the European Union, as well as to continue their efforts to advocate strongly and consistently for the respect of international law, including international humanitarian law. The specific protection needs of women and children require special attention. Similar attention should also be paid to the phenomenon of sexual violence and the use of rape as a tactic of warfare, affecting women, children and also men.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The respect for those laws is crucial to ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and to providing assistance to victims in the most effective manner. The frequent failure of the parties to armed conflicts to comply with their obligations is of profound concern. We are also concerned about the increased targeting of medical missions and personnel, again in clear violation of those obligations. We regret that no agreement could be found on a resolution to establish a new forum to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law at the thirty-second International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva in December 2015. However, participants agreed on the imperative need to improve compliance with international humanitarian law and committed to working towards that goal over the coming years.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The European Union and its member States share the outrage expressed by the Council in November 2015 that civilians continue to account for the vast majority of casualties in today's conflicts (see S/PRST/2015/23). We also concur with the Secretary-General's view, as expressed in his report of July 2015, entitled "A vital and enduring commitment: implementing the responsibility to protect" (S/2015/500), that the prevailing disrespect for international humanitarian law on the part of some States and non-State armed groups, and the pervasive impunity that they enjoy for violations have become one of the most critical challenges for the protection of civilians. The EU and its member States are committed to promoting the implementation of international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law worldwide.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, Ms. Christine Beerli, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Eveline Rooijmans, Senior Humanitarian Policy Advisor at Oxfam, for their contributions to this debate. The protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict remains an acute concern, and we appreciate that Uruguay has chosen this important topic for an open debate in the Security Council.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“To conclude, 20 years since the Dayton-Paris Peace Accords, the European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country. We welcome the adoption of an ambitious Reform Agenda in July, as envisaged in the December 2014 EU Council Conclusions, and the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement. This positive momentum needs to be not only maintained, but intensified by all political leaders for a prosperous and European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens. In that context, the EU, being a direct neighbour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, presents great opportunities for the country and its citizens. The European Union stands ready to further assist in this respect.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“At the same time, the EU has agreed to keep Operation Althea under regular review, with a View to assessing progress on the conditions conducive to the delivery ofits mandate. In this context, furthering the efforts of EUFOR Althea in the field of capacity- building and training could be considered. In the context of the overall EU strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, we look forward to continuing the discussion with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence, in the appropriate forum, and call on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet without further delay the outstanding objectives and conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“The European Union will also continue to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in the security field and towards its national ownership. The overall security situation has remained calm and stable, yet stability has not been fully entrenched. The European Union welcomes the continued presence of EUFOR Althea, which retains the capability to contribute to the deterrence capacity of Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities if the situation so requires, while focusing on capacity-building and training. In this context, as part of the overall EU strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU confirms its readiness at this stage to maintain an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment, under a renewed United Nations mandate.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“EU High Representative Vice-President Mogherini, together with Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Hahn, and in close collaboration with EU member States, will continue to carry out the EU commitment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we will also continue working closely with the High Representative, his Office and our international partners in our endeavours. The European Union's strengthened political presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain in the person of the Head of Delegation/EU Special Representative, my colleague Ambassador Lars- Gunnar Wigemark, and his Office with a view to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in all EU-related matters, including by providing political guidance on military issues with a local political dimension to the EU Force Commander.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“The EU works with all relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the framework of the Structured Dialogue on Justice, and stands ready to intensify its efforts to improve the performance and functioning of the legal system. We also call, on a more general note, on the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to continue to cooperate fully with all entities involved in the implementation of the Dayton-Paris Peace Accords, including the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The European Union's deep engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina is firmly entrenched and multidimensional.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“Holding a referendum also risks undermining the efforts to make further progress in EU integration to which all political leaders are committed. It also distracts attention from the social and economic problems that people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina face on a daily basis. Divisive and separatist rhetoric remains a cause for serious concern and is disruptive and a distraction from the reforms Bosnia and Herzegovina has to go through. Politicians need to focus their efforts on implementing the Reform Agenda, which is aimed at stabilizing the economy and create new jobs, particularly for young people, improve the rule of law and tackle corruption. The shortcomings of the judicial system in Bosnia and Herzegovina should continue to be addressed and improved through constructive dialogue.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“But that progress must not be jeopardized by initiatives taken for short-term political purposes and misleading and harmful political Visions. We call on the leaders and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from divisive rhetoric, pull together and move forward. We express our serious concern about the preparations for holding an Entity-level referendum on the State-leveljudiciary in Republika Srpska. Holding a referendum on the State judiciary in Republika Srpska would challenge the cohesion, sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to which the leaders of all the main political parties represented in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliaments, including the President of Republika Srpska, are committed.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, ensuring efficient coordination on all EU-relevant matters is one of the main tasks facing the country. Such coordination should facilitate the decision-making needed in the EU integration process and serve as an effective vehicle to ensure domestic legislation harmonization with the EU acquis. Moreover, the EU urges Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully uphold its commitments and obligations under the Stabilization and Association Agreement, including those relating to the adaptation of the Agreement. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress in the last two decades both domestically and in its relations with neighbouring countries. This year, concrete progress has been made on the country's EU path after a prolonged period of stagnation.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“The EU and the international financial institutions will continue to support the implementation of the Reform Agenda, including by providing â‚¬1 billion over three years, and putting aside another â‚¬500 million for investment. That should encourage more private investment and boost the overall economy, creating more jobs and opportunities for everyone. Meaningful progress in the implementation of the Reform Agenda, including the Compact for Growth and Jobs, will be necessary for an EU membership application by Bosnia and Herzegovina to be considered by the European Union. When requesting the Commission's opinion on the membership application, the Council will ask the Commission to pay particular attention to the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“The Agreement opens a binding agenda for deep reforms that, as experience shows, will improve people's quality of life and move the country closer to EU membership. The confidence of investors, domestic and international, should increase and Bosnia and Herzegovina's businesses could further improve their access to the EU's internal market of some 500 million consumers, thereby providing their services across the EU and competing for public contracts. The most comprehensive package of socioeconomic andjudicial reforms ever in Bosnia and Herzegovina-the so-called Reform Agenda - was adopted by the political leadership at the State and Entity levels in July. The Reform Agenda reflects the collective wish of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina for real change, greater prosperity, stronger rule of law and more opportunities.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“At the same time, more needs to be done to ensure that a united, stable and multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina can move forward towards prosperity and the European Union. Fostering good-neighbourly relations with all of Bosnia and Herzegovina's neighbours and other countries of the region is of vital importance in that regard. This year, Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU perspective was further strengthened. The Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union, its member States and Bosnia and Herzegovina entered into force on 1 June. It is an important step forward. Contractual relations with the European Union have been reinforced, bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU closer together economically, institutionally and politically.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“I would also like to welcome the new Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Milos Vukasinovic'. I wish the Ambassador a successful tenure in New York and thank him for his statement. The European Union (EU), emphasizing the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration, continues to work closely with Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance its stability, prosperity and European integration. This year is one of historic anniversaries, and a time when we are reminded of the country's painful past. It has also been an important year in terms of progress achieved. The European Union and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have worked together to move the country forward towards the European Union. We welcome the progress achieved so far.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: Allow me, in my first intervention before the Council, to salute all of its members and to say how much I look forward to fruitful cooperation in the future. I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, as well as Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. We thank the Security Council for adopting resolution 2247 (2015), renewing the mandate of the European Union-led peacekeeping force (EUFOR) Operation Althea in Bosnia for one year. Ijoin other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council, and would like to express our full and continuous support for him and his role, as set out in the Council's previous resolutions.”
2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source