YouSaid · the spoken record

Vilovic'

lines on the record: 122
first: 2008-12-10
most recent: 2013-05-14
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“Croatia has been, and will continue to be, ready to provide all possible assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its Euro-Atlantic path. Part of those efforts includes the preparation of the agreement on Euro-Atlantic partnership between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as talks regarding the economic and other impacts of Croatia's EU membership as of 1 July. Let me conclude by saying that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is first and foremost the responsibility of its people. But, at the same time, the international community needs to bear its part of responsibility with an active and sustainable engagement, which remains vital for the progress and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We therefore call on political leaders in the country to make additional efforts on the implementation of the political agreement reached by the six political parties regarding the resolution of the outstanding issue of military property, in order to enable the implementation of the first round of the action plan for NATO membership. In the meantime, the existing cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO should be maintained and enhanced. The principle of the early fulfillment of conditionality, even before the process of institutional negotiations, might not be at all times fully applicable to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support an approach that would take into consideration the still-existing need for a build-up of the necessary decision-making capacities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, taking into account its distinct complexities.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We sincerely hope that political dialogue and readiness for compromise will yield concrete results and allow for the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union, which would mark an important step forward in the process of European integration and would offer Bosnia and Herzegovina an additional tool for accelerating reform processes. We hope that political elites will manage to reach an agreement, which will show that they put the interests of the country and all its citizens above the interests of their parties. Furthermore, for Croatia, as a neighbouring country, the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path towards NATO membership is of vital importance.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“On the one hand there is the Dayton Agreement, and on the other the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie-Finci case. We believe that the democratic equality of all citizens and the institutional equality of the three constituent peoples are both crucial for the viability and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In our view, political and national representation should not result in any form of ethnic majorization, but in a balance of individual and collective rights. We would also like to reiterate once again Croatia's strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Croatia therefore wholeheartedly supports the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a fully functional State for the benefit of all its citizens and strongly supports the prospect of the country's full membership in NATO and the European Union. However, we note with regret that, despite some positive developments in the rest of the region, such as the agreement between Belgrade and Pristina and Montenegro's progress in the Euro-Atlantic integration processes, in Bosnia and Herzegovina progress has stalled in almost all areas, including the EU agenda. Since the High Representative's previous report (see S/2012/813) in November 2012, there has been no significant progress in the strengthening ofinstitutions, the constitutional framework or the implementation of the necessary reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crossroads.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“At the outset, please allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, on the occasion of your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. Let me also welcome to His Excellency Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to thank him for his briefing and his report (S/2013/263, annex). As members have heard, Croatia also aligns itself with the statement of the European Union (EU). The stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for the stability of the whole region of South-East Europe.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Let me conclude by reaffirming that the PBC is committed to enhancing its impact in the field by empowering national actors to own and lead the peacebuilding process and by ensuring that the United Nations and other key actors are positioned to help them achieve that goal. We are cognizant of the fact that the PBC needs to continue to sharpen its tools and learn from the lessons of its engagement. We are also convinced that, as a parent organ providing nearly 25 per cent of the Commission's membership and having referred five out of six of the countries on the PBC agenda, the Council needs to contribute to those efforts. We must, therefore, work together to develop a practical and meaningful partnership.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“In addition and most recently in its resolution 2086 (2013), the Council emphasized the need to harness the Commission's role in advancing and supporting an integrated and coherent approach to multidimensional peacekeeping mandates in countries on its agenda. There is clearly a need to take forward that recommendation and have additional clarity on the scope of the Commission's advisory role in anticipation of relevant future referrals from the Council. We look forward to discussing those and other suggestions in the context of the planned informal interactive dialogue with the Security Council to be held tomorrow.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“The Chairs of the PBC country-specific configurations continue to value the opportunity to formally brief the Council on the situations in the countries concerned. We believe that more regular and substantive exchanges could possibly be of most value to the Security Council ahead of the Council's field visits to countries on the PBC agenda, upon the return from a PBC field visit to those countries, in the process of the imminent drawdown and exit of United Nations missions, and in situations presenting an obvious challenge to the peacebuilding process. We also invite the penholders of Security Council resolutions to seek the advice of the respective Chairs ofthe country- specific configurations when drafting resolutions concerning countries under consideration by the PBC.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“Where it is engaged, the PBC can be viewed by the Council as a useful instrument of the international community's strategy to address and reverse similar situations. At the same time, the Commission recognizes that a crucial element of its advisory role to the Council is to ensure, while working closely with the senior United Nations leadership in the field, that a timely and appropriate analysis of risk factors and drivers of conflict is brought to the attention of the Council placed for its consideration and action. The areas and situations presented here are inherently dynamic. There is, therefore, also a need for dynamic information-sharing with the Council on country- specific developments, opportunities and risks.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“The continuing collaboration between the PBC, the Peacebuilding Support Office and all lead United Nations departments and relevant entities in that regard is crucial. Thirdly, in situations where the peacebuilding process in countries on the PBC agenda faces serious challenges, the Security Council could draw on the PBC's perspectives as it considers options for its response and formulates its strategy. The situations in Guinea-Bissau and the Central African Republic serve as reminders that peacebuilding is a process fraught with many risks and that there is a need for a coordinated response and strategy, which need to be adapted to evolving national and regional developments.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“In that regard, it would be helpful if the Council were more explicit about the tasks that the PBC should undertake in support of United Nations leadership and actors in the field. The Working Group on Lessons Learned has worked closely with members of the Integration Steering Group and has developed pertinent findings on the possible role of the PBC in those transition contexts. Secondly, where the PBC continues to be engaged following the transition and exit of a United Nations mission in a country on the PBC agenda, the Council could also benefit from periodic updates on progress with regard to peacebuilding and risk factors. That would ensure that the Council remains abreast of country- specific peacebuilding-related developments that might require attention.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“We believe that the Commission can and should play a role in support of the Council's consideration of drawdown and transition strategies in those countries. Drawing on the synergies with the Peacebuilding Fund, the PBC's advice in such situations could focus on assessing progress in national peacebuilding efforts and challenges facing those efforts; the level of support from and commitment on the part of the international community beyond the United Nations system; and the specific capacities required for the United Nations presence to continue to support long-term peacebuilding efforts. Therefore, the Council could usefully benefit from interaction with the PBC during the consideration of the outcome of technical assessment missions and the drafting of the Council's resolutions on managing the transition processes.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“At the same time, we are convinced that this is a shared responsibility requiring improved two-way interaction between the Council and the PBC as well as much better clarity as concerns roles and responsibilities in relation to the other operational actors involved. Members of the Council will recall last year's debate and interactive dialogue under the Colombian presidency, which highlighted a number of issues related to the Commission's advisory function to the Security Council. Those issues were captured in a summary that was shared with the Council and is contained in document S/2012/791. Today, I wish to build on elements of that summary. First, three of the missions in countries on the PBC agenda are in the process of drawdown and transition.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“Stemming from our founding resolutions, the main purpose of the Commission is to provide advice to the Council, and I believe that today's briefing offers an opportunity to reflect on the envisaged scope of, and prospects for, the Commission's advisory role to the Security Council. The Commission approaches its advisory function to the Security Council from the conviction that it can play a useful role in helping the Council manage an increasing workload. By focusing on and sustaining broader international attention to situations which may not be on the Council's immediate radar, the PBC is supporting the Council in ensuring that the energy and resources invested in addressing and stabilizing conflict situations are preserved and protected for the long term.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vilovic': Allow me to thank the Rwandan presidency for taking the initiative in organizing this briefing on post-conflict peacebuilding and to express my appreciation for the opportunity to deliver these remarks in my capacity as Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). The annual briefings to the Security Council represent valuable opportunities to apprise the Council of the Commission's work, perspectives and priority areas. My predecessor's presentation of the Commission's report on its sixth session has shed light on where the Commission stands today with its country- specific engagement, institutional consolidation and policy-development efforts.”
2013-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6954 (2013) · source
“At the same time, it is our understanding that such cooperation should be carried out with full respect for national jurisdictions and generally accepted principles of international criminal law, including basic principles of legitimate procedure and evidence collection. Let me conclude by saying that Croatia is deeply committed to the process of reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia. However, we firmly believe that such reconciliation is possible only on the premise of unambiguously established historical facts and their accurate interpretation, and not on their misinterpretation or denial, in particular in the cases of most serious violations of international law, including genocide.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“In that context, we particularly welcome the Tribunal's attempt to further elucidate its impact and legacy, including through engaging the most eminent scholars and practitioners in the field of international criminal and humanitarian law in thorough discussions and analysis of these complex matters. Ensuing interpretations and conclusions will have a serious impact on any future conduct of hostilities, as well as noble efforts aimed at preserving or fostering international peace and security. With regard to regional cooperation, let me stress that Croatia fully shares the View that cooperation in the region concerning war crimes and related issues is of crucial importance.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“We see that as an important recognition of our steadfast efforts to establish efficient and comprehensive cooperation with the Tribunal and its organs in all vital areas. In that regard, I can only reaffirm our intention to continue along that path until the very end of the Tribunal's mandate, and beyond in relation to the Residual Mechanism. As I said in my previous interventions, Croatia continues to follow with particular attention the new jurisprudence emerging from the Tribunal's work and its potential to shape future criteria for, inter alia, the lawful use of force and the waging of legitimate military action.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“Over the reporting period, Croatian officials at the highest level remained engaged in direct dialogue with the Tribunal and the Prosecutor, while the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the State Prosecutor continued to nurture a close and intense working relationship with the Office of the Prosecutor. Last month, Prosecutor Brammertz visited Zagreb and met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Home, Foreign and European Affairs; the Minister of Justice; the State Prosecutor and members of the Task Force. We are pleased to note that in his report Prosecutor Brammertz has recognized the full and unequivocal cooperation of Croatia with the Office of the Prosecutor. Furthermore, according to the report, it is the Office of the Prosecutor's intention to further rely on that in order to efficiently complete the remaining trials and appeals.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“Croatia welcomes the significant results achieved by the Tribunal to date and, in particular, the fact that all indicted persons have been arrested and transferred to the Tribunal. We expect swift and efficient proceedings in the three remaining first-instance cases, namely, Karadeie, Mladie and Hadeic', as well as the effective handling of appellate activities. In that regard, Croatia supports the Tribunal's efforts aimed at expediting the overall pace of proceedings by introducing innovative reforms, including a waiver on the direct hiring of interns, as well as retention incentives. We welcome the continuous readiness of the Office of the Prosecutor to provide relevant information to support national investigations on war crimes as an important contribution to national efforts to end impunity.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“Croatia strongly supports the diligent efforts of the Tribunals aimed at the smooth transformation of those two unique international institutions into a single body - the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. In that context, we welcome the recent appointment of the Registrar, President and Prosecutor of the Residual Mechanism, as well as the full establishment of the Mechanism's roster of judges. We congratulate Mr. Hocking, Judge Meron and Prosecutor Jallow, as well as all of the elected judges, on their appointments and elections and express our full confidence in their ability to successfully master the many challenging tasks ahead of them. Let me now turn specifically to the ICTY and its activities.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“Allow me, at the outset, to congratulate you, Mr. President, on China's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June, as well as to express our confidence in your ability to guide the Council in fulfilling its many duties and responsibilities in these challenging times. I would like to express my appreciation to Presidents Meron and J oensen, as well as to Prosecutors Brammertz and Jallow, for their comprehensive reports on the work of the Tribunals in the first half of the year (see S/2012/354, S/2012/349), the status of the cases before them and measures undertaken in the implementation of the completion strategy.”
2012-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6782 (2012) · source
“However, Croatia intends not to assume a mentoring role, but rather to encourage the democratic process to develop from within, as that is the only way to reach long-lasting stability and prosperity for Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the region of South-Eastern Europe as well.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Our own experience tells us that the process of European integration goes hand in hand with the process of institution-building, and we are confident that it will enhance Bosnia and Herzegovina's stability and cohesion. Croatia has already started to share its unique know-how with the leadership, State administration and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For that reason, we proposed to Bosnia and Herzegovina a treaty on Euro-Atlantic partnership, covering many areas of cooperation. For many of the activities involved, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will seek wider support and collaboration. Let me conclude by stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a burdened history and a complex political system. Admittedly, it requires the ongoing attention and support of the international community.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“In recent months, we have witnessed increased dynamics in political contacts, ranging from meetings by Croatian President Ivo Josipovic' with his counterparts to the first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the new Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovie in February, which was followed by direct working meetings at the line ministry level. In all bilateral exchanges, Croatian officials encouraged greater coordination and support of EU efforts to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in reaching European standards and, in a constructive spirit of cooperation, in finding ways of mitigating any possible negative consequences of Croatia's future membership in the EU on Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy and society.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Such language should not be tolerated, and the international community should send that message very clearly. We are also concerned by the lack of full functionality of institutions and of coordination between the two entities, which are prerequisites for the advancement of the European Union (EU) integration process. Croatia strongly supports a more robust presence of the European Union mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as all efforts that contribute to the further harmonization of laws and practices within Bosnia and Herzegovina and with the European Union. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are two neighbouring and friendly countries with significant trade relations and a long common border that will soon become the longest external border of the European Union.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as representatives of the international community, have acknowledged that Croats, as one of the three constitutive peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, do not enjoy the same level of institutional rights as the other two, and have expressed their willingness to work towards solutions that would remedy that situation. We strongly support all developments that would ensure that every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina feels equally protected and respected throughout the country's territory. We particularly encourage further energizing the process of the return of refugees to their pre-war homes. Unfortunately, there is still ground for concern when it comes to the atmosphere and language in the public space, especially calls for separatism or any kind of extremism.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“The progress of 9 March, however limited, creates momentum, and the international community should strongly encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain its level of demonstrated effort and commitment. It is our strong belief that this encouragement should take the form of constant attention and support, especially in the Euro-Atlantic integration process, as that path provides the best framework for strengthening institutions, the rule of law and democratic life itself. The integration process should take into account all the specificities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and respect the basic principle of the country's political existence, namely, the equality of the three constitutive peoples and all its citizens.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“The six parties of the State-level governing coalition also discussed on 9 March the constitutional changes that need to be undertaken for compliance with the verdict of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdic-Finci case. Despite the current absence of concrete results, we can acknowledge that the leaders recognized the importance of that issue and that they succeeded in agreeing on the basic principles that would have to be respected. We are hoping for concrete results at tomorrow's meeting in Mostar. An agreement on constitutional changes that would substantially address the identified weaknesses of the election system would make a major contribution to the political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Croatia reads the successful agreement on the principles to be used in resolving the property distribution issue as a demonstration of political will and commitment to the processes of Euro-Atlantic integration. We welcome this breakthrough as an encouraging message to the North-Atlantic Alliance in view of the forthcoming Chicago summit. Croatia is convinced that a clear perspective on NATO membership is of the highest importance to the further strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, the positive or negative impact of Bosnia and Herzegovina's stability on the region of South-East Europe and beyond should not be underestimated.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“Let me extend our welcome to Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thank him for his briefing and his report (see S/2012/307). Croatia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union (EU), but I would like to deliver a statement in my national capacity as well. Reflecting on the past six months since the last report of the High Representative (see S/2011/682), our general conclusion is that while there are still reasons for concern with the pace of progress of important political and economic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there have also been important and encouraging developments. The meeting of six political parties in Banja Luka on 9 March yielded tangible political results regarding the distribution of defence and State property.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source
“We are confident that such cooperation should be carried out on well- established principles of international criminal law and in full observance of respective national jurisdictions and competences. Likewise, cooperation should be based on full compliance with the basic principles of legitimate procedure and on the implementation of internationally recognized methods for the collection of evidence. Finally, let me conclude by stressing that my country has thoroughly developed its cooperation with the Tribunal in all vital areas, and we are determined to continue that cooperation until the fulfilment of the Tribunal's mandate.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“Subversion of the facts only leads to further division, further tension and the creation of additional grievances. With regard to Prosecutor Brammertz's oral assessment earlier in this meeting, in which he claims that "State officials at the highest level in Croatia continue to glorify illegal wartime conduct and question the impartiality of ICTY judgements", Croatia categorically rejects those characterizations as unfounded and unacceptable. At the same time, expert opinion on this issue should be freely expressed and by no means be seen as questioning the impartiality of ICTY judgements. Croatia therefore fully supports regional cooperation in the area of war crimes.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“We are pleased that Prosecutor Brammertz has recognized Croatia's cooperation regarding the remaining cases before the ICTY by saying that "Croatia has given timely and adequate responses and provided access to witnesses and evidence as required" (ibid., para. 55). We also count on the cooperation of all relevant United Nations bodies in the search for the sought documentation, in line with the testimony given by United Nations military observers in The Hague. Croatia is deeply committed to the process of reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia and firmly believes that the prosecution of all those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law is a necessary precondition to achieving that goal. However, such prosecutions cannot come at the expense of the historical facts.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“The European Parliament's acceptance on 1 December of Croatia's request to become a member of the European Union (EU), the subsequent decision of the European Council to welcome Croatia to the EU and the upcoming signature of the accession treaty by the Republic of Croatia all testify to Croatia's readiness and ability to fully and unconditionally fulfil all of its international obligations and commitments. In that context, Croatia continues its unwavering cooperation with the Tribunal, as is confirmed by the report before us today (see S/2011/716). With regard to the request by the Office of the Prosecutor for missing documents, let me stress that Croatia fully complies with the Trial Chamber's decision on this matter.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“Croatia also welcomes the fact that Ratko Mladic' and Goran Hadzie, indicted for the worst atrocities committed in Europe since the Second World War, have been brought to justice necessary HadZic' during this reporting period. That represents a great achievement not only for the Tribunal but also for international justice in general. It is powerful testimony to the fact that impunity for grave breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law will not be tolerated.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“Croatia closely follows the possible emergence of new jurisprudence founded on the Tribunal's judgements, as well as the lively academic debate about its possible effects on and consequences for future criteria for the legitimate use of force in preserving international peace and security. In that respect, we would like to stress the importance of a thorough analysis of this complex matter. As a nation that contributes troops to United Nations- and NATO- led operations, we care about and pay close attention to any possible new jurisprudence that could jeopardize the ability to wage legitimate and effective military actions aimed at preserving or fostering international security.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, we thank Judge Patrick Robinson for his distinguished service as President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and welcome Judge Theodor Meron as its new President. Having known Judge Meron for a long time, we express full confidence in his ability to successfully master the many challenging tasks ahead of him. Croatia strongly supports the efforts of the Tribunals to undertake all measures within their power to expedite their proceedings as part of the implementation of the completion strategy for the finalization of their work and their transition to the Residual Mechanisms. At the same time, that transition must not in any way affect the Tribunals' mandates or the due process standards on which their procedure is based.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I should like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We are confident that, under your able guidance, the Council will successfully undertake its many duties and responsibilities during this final month of what has been an astonishing year in many respects. Allow me to also express my appreciation to Presidents Robinson and Khan and Prosecutors Brammertz and J allow for their detailed reports on the work of the Tribunals (S/201l/716 and S/201l/731) and on the progress achieved and challenges faced in the implementation of their completion strategies.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6678 (2011) · source
“However, first and foremost, there should be constitutional reform, which would assure all three peoples that their credible voices are heard and respected. Only a political leadership, be it at the State, the entity or the cantonal level, accountable to all three constitutive peoples can lead Bosnia and Herzegovina through the long-awaited reforms to a better future.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“We should not underestimate or disregard as antiquated the legal/constitutional and deeply-rooted political traditions of Yugoslav federalism, which was founded on the rights of constituent peoples. It is realistic to think that successful affirmation of the concept of a constituent citizen achievable through prior affirmation of the concept of constituent peoples. Bypassing the issue of ethnic and national identity, instead of solving it, would shortly get us back to the beginning and would constitute a heavy burden in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration. Croatia thus advocates an accession and integration process into the EU and NATO that would 22 link together, under well-defined and tight conditionality, national institution-building, democratic practices and a free market economy.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“That fact should not be a reason for giving up on the accession process; we should rather consider a new tailor-made accession process designed specifically for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some believe that we should move away from the so-called ethnic approach and that Bosnia and Herzegovina can move forward only if ethnicity - that is, nationality - gives way to common citizenship. Although this at first glance may seem to be a solution to many of Bosnia and Herzegovina's problems, it is not. However seductive the idea of quickly reaching a functional State on that base may be, we must not forget that ethnic-national affiliation is a very strong component of individual identities in that country, and perhaps even more so than in most European countries.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“Croatia is especially eager to see Bosnia and Herzegovina embark on the process of integration into the EU and NATO. We are more than ready to share our unique experience with the leadership and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their ethnicity. We know how demanding and challenging these processes are and how detrimental any sort of democratic deficit can be at every step of the way. Any doubt about whether the EU-based reforms will be beneficial to all three peoples equally may be fatal to the process. We all agree that the present state of internal integration is not particularly conducive to Bosnia and Herzegovina's successful accession into the EU or NATO.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“Treating the smallest and the most vulnerable constitutive people as a minority equals giving up on the viability and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a country in which division into two entities represents a real obstacle to inner integration, reducing the number of constitutive peoples - be it de jure or de facto - could lead to the breakup of the country that would create a scenario with dire consequences. Instead of such an approach, we should support the democratic process itself, bearing in mind that democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina starts with ensuring equal rights for all three constitutive peoples. Democracy brought stability to the countries of the Western hemisphere, and it will bring stability to Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of all the complexity it implies there.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“As recent history has shown, they - as the least populous of the three peoples - have serious difficulties in electing their representatives within the existing system. When addressing this problem, we should not forget that citizens' identification with their country is in strong correlation with its democratic process. We must therefore make sure that the democratic will of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the least populous people, is fully respected. Our emphasis today on Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not based on ethnicity. It is based on our firm belief that the unity and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina depend primarily on the actual equality of Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“At the highest political level this requires the legitimate representatives of each people - those who carry the majority of votes of its people - to be acknowledged as such. Our frustration with the inefficiency of the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina makes it tempting to forget this basic democratic principle, but as the Arab Spring has demonstrated lately, building and cherishing democracy is the only way forward in the search for long-term stability. We are today faced with two grave challenges to Bosnia and Herzegovina. One is the rhetorical flirtation with the breakup of the country. The international community and all countries of the region must send a clear message that such rhetoric is unacceptable. The other serious challenge is the position of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“Croatia has consistently advocated membership in the European Union and NATO as the best framework for stabilizing its South-East European neighbours. We will continue to provide our political and technical support in that regard to all the countries of the region, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dayton Peace Agreement brought peace but not stability or prosperity. The country today yearns for a more functional political system. This change must come from within and must not be introduced at the expense of democracy. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of two entities and three constitutive peoples. The State itself can be strengthened only by respecting the equality of the three peoples in all possible aspects of life.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“At the outset, allow me to extend my welcome to His Excellency Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative and Special Representative of the European Union (EU), and to thank him for his briefing and report (see S/2011/682). Croatia aligns itself with the statement of the EU, but allow me to deliver a statement in my national capacity as well. Historically, the EU enlargement process has shown itself to be the most effective political instrument for bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the European continent. Today, Croatia's example testifies to the fact that the perspective of EU and NATO membership brings to a national political life a strong motivation to find the way forward. The only region that is still far from the real benefits of the enlargement process is the Western Balkans.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“Croatia also co-sponsored a resolution adopted during the special session of the Human Rights Council on 29 April, whereby it condemned the use of lethal violence against peaceful protestors by the Syrian authorities and urged the Syrian Government to put an end to all human rights violations and respect all fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression and of assembly. Lastly, I would like to welcome the establishment of the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which we see as a step forward in strengthening a heightened profile for human rights in the United Nations system. We commend the Office for its consistent and structured work and its integrated approach to human rights, which is necessary to enhance the protection civilians in armed conflict. We look forward to our continued cooperation.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source