YouSaid · the spoken record

Vilovie

lines on the record: 428
first: 2008-06-24
most recent: 2013-06-24
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“The plight of children born of wartime rape, about which there is little or no information available and therefore no meaningful programmatic intervention, is a matter of our deepest concern. Croatia welcomes the emphasis on the urgency of ensuring that sexual violence considerations are explicitly and consistently reflected in peace processes, ceasefires and peace agreements, and in all security sector reform and other processes in which the United Nations is involved. In that regard, we commend the adoption of resolution 2106 (2013), which we are proud to have co-sponsored.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Clear guidance on how to operationalize the protection of civilians mandate, including the protection ofwomen and girls from sexual violence, is also needed for peacekeeping missions. We have the opportunity to use United Nations expertise, including such human rights mechanisms as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women. All Member States should ensure that the training of peacekeepers includes training on resolution 1325 (2000). Sexual violence is linked to the illicit extraction of natural resources and leads to the displacement of civilian populations. Armed groups use forced marriages, rape and sexual slavery as tactics during detentions or interrogation.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“It is an approach that is reflected domestically through our National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which we launched in 2011. The plan is Croatia's blueprint for practical implementation of our obligations under resolution 1325 (2000). We need much greater progress in ensuring the adequate participation of women in peace talks. The inclusion of relevant issues in peace agreements is the exception rather than the rule. Peace accords that fail to include women in post-conflict governance often neglect their access to economic opportunities, justice and reparations. We need to have more women as lead negotiators and ensure adequate gender expertise for peace processes.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“A special effort is required to tackle the culture of impunity head-on. We can no longer tolerate impunity for the worst acts of Violence against women and girls, as set forth in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. I wish to pay special tribute to all women and girl victims of the brutal violence in Syria. We must all join forces to end impunity for such crimes. The Statute of the International Criminal Court explicitly states that rape and other forms of sexual violence can be prosecuted as war crimes or crimes against humanity. Amnesties should not extend to crimes of sexual violence. We also underline the importance that all relevant peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations properly address the impact of conflict on women and girls, and that the increased participation of women be encouraged.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Women are often victims of armed conflict, but they can also play a central role in preventing and resolving violent conflicts, as actors in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The continued high incidence of horrific sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts demands the international community's attention as a human rights matter and as a question of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law. It is an issue that bears directly on peace and security. The Council's landmark resolution, 1325 (2000), is still not being fully implemented. It is clear that the use of rape and sexual violence exacerbates conflicts and perpetuates them long after active hostilities are over. Such crimes inflict indelible scars on individuals, families and societies that make reconciliation and peacebuilding much more difficult.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In my own country, in the heart of Europe, rape was used as a method of intimidation and terror during the aggression to which we were exposed at the beginning of the 1990s. Today, Croatia's strong commitment to gender equality, domestically and internationally, is well established. Our work on the agenda of women and peace and security is a key priority, and we are ready to contribute. Croatia welcomes the Group of Eight (G-8) Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, announced at the ministerial meeting held in London in April. It is an important signal from some of the world's most powerful countries that the G-8 is ready to take a prominent role in preventing and combating sexual violence in war and conflicts.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the United Kingdom presidency of the Security Council for holding this important debate, and all the briefers for their statements. Croatia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would also like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/149) paints a grim picture. Women and girls suffer from sexual violence in armed conflict. Victims are often left alone and unprotected when pursuing legal action, or are otherwise effectively denied access to justice. Perpetrators benefit from a climate of impunity. It is essential that we address the problem comprehensively.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Finally, let me conclude by saying that my country, although not always necessarily pleased with all the procedures, rulings or decisions of the ICTY, has at all times cooperated with the Tribunal to the best of its abilities, fully respecting its decisions and never challenging them outside the stipulated procedures. And that is exactly what we are going to do until the final fulfilment of the ICTY's mandate and that of International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Croatia is aware that the cooperation of the States in the region remains crucial for the successful accomplishment of the Tribunal's mandate and, in that context, stands ready to lead by example. At the same time, enhanced regional cooperation in the area of war crimes and related issues represents one of the important legacies of the Tribunals. We are ready to continue mutual cooperation in that important area, according to the generally accepted principles of international criminal law and with the full respect of relevant national jurisdictions and competencies.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“We are pleased to note that, in paragraph 42 of his report, Prosecutor Brammertz has once again recognized Croatia's full and unequivocal cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor and stressed that "the Office of the Prosecutor continues to rely on Croatia's cooperation to efficiently complete trials and appeals." We will indeed continue to cooperate as recorded and render our full support to the Tribunal. It is also a pleasure to inform you, Mr. President, that Prosecutor Brammertz visited Croatia between 22 and 24 May for the annual conference of prosecutors from the former Yugoslavia held in Brijuni, where they continued their discussions on issues of mutual relevance.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“In that context, and as we stated in our previous interventions, let me add that Croatia follows with particular attention the new jurisprudence emerging from the Tribunals' work and its potential to shape future criteria for, inter alia, the lawful use of force and waging legitimate military action, including the general responsibility of military and political leaders. There is no doubt that the ensuing legal interpretations of thatjurisprudence will have a serious impact on any future conduct of hostilities, as well as on noble efforts aimed at preserving or fostering international peace and security. Let me now turn to the reports of the ICTY's President and Prosecutor (S/2013/308, annexes I and II), which we have in front of us today.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Finally, according to article 7 of its Statute, the main task of the Tribunal is to establish the individual responsibility of the accused. However, introducing new and untested concepts as criteria for determining that responsibility, artificially applied to this legal field and significantly altering the traditional command responsibility concept, and also introducing those new concepts only in the later stage of the Tribunal's proceedings, resulted, in our opinion, in a weakening of the Tribunal's authenticity and led the Tribunal to delve into political and historical assessments and interpretations with doubtful success.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Being a pioneer in the interpretation and application of international humanitarian law, as well as international criminal law, the Tribunal unavoidably encountered a number of substantive and procedural questions, the answers to which were not always clear or immediate. In that context, let me simply mention here the oft-criticized very long judicial processes, which have in some cases seriously undermined their own purpose. Although late justice is certainly better than no justice at all, such delays have interfered with the rightful expectations of the victims, but equally so with the rights of the accused to a fair and swift trial. Furthermore, the frequent modifications of the Tribunal's Rules of Procedure certainly did not contribute to legal confidence, nor the clarity or simplicity of the procedures.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Those are goals and hopes that we have supported and nourished at the time of the Tribunal's establishment 20 years ago and that we support and nourish even more today. Croatia welcomes the results achieved by the ICTY to date and, in particular, the fact that all those indicted by the Tribunal have been arrested and transferred to its custody. It is encouraging to know that a number of high-level perpetrators of the most heinous crimes in our region have met their destiny in The Hague Chambers and are now coping with it in prisons around the world. At the same time, it is only fair to say that the road towards the noble and ambitious goals that the Tribunal set for itself was neither straightforward nor easy.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“It is not an exaggeration to say that precisely the establishment of the Tribunals, whose work we are discussing today, forever changed the landscape of international criminal justice and introduced a whole new system with the International Criminal Court at the head. With high hopes and expectations at the time of its creation, Croatia also strongly supported the main purpose of the ICTY - the prosecution and punishment of the individuals most responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as delivering justice for the victims of those crimes. Equally so, Croatia supported the Tribunal's more global functions aimed at the restoration and maintenance of peace and stability in the region, as well as the promotion of justice and reconciliation.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“It is a well-known fact that Croatia advocated for the establishment of the ICTY from the very beginning. We wholeheartedly supported the strong determination of the international community to finally, once and for all, put an end to the culture of impunity that had for so long accompanied wars and armed conflict. The establishment of the Tribunals was a clear indication that a new era had arrived - an era in which it was not important any more how high- ranking or influential perpetrators of grave breaches of international humanitarian law were, but what the record of their actions was.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“We appreciate the comprehensive reports (S/2013/308, S/2013/309, S/2103/310) of the Presidents and Prosecutors of the International Tribunals on the work of the Tribunals during the reporting period, on the status of the cases before them, as well as on measures undertaken in the implementation of the completion strategy. The recent twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) certainly presents an appropriate opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment and stocktaking of past activities, lessons learned and overall achievements of the Tribunals. In that context, we thank you, Sir, for having opened this debate up to the broader membership, albeit not in the format of an open debate.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“We strongly believe that, in the future, there should be even more emphasis on civil and military cooperation and civilian engagement in United Nations peace missions and operations, with the aim not only of ensuring the effective preservation of peace and sustainable post-conflict reconstruction and development but also to provide adequate focus on the protection of civilians and to create a favourable environment for the enjoyment oftheir human rights and fundamental freedoms. In that regard, a comprehensive and integrated approach should be ensured that allows for the active involvement of the police, judicial officials, diplomats and other members of civil society in peace, reconstruction and development efforts and in protection-of-civilian activities.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“One needs to keep in mind that such silent killers kill and maim long after the end ofa conflict and that their victims often tend to be civilians. On the basis of our experience, we are convinced that United Nations peacekeeping activities should contribute to the enhanced protection and security of civilians, as well as the reduction of atrocities directed at the civilian population. In our view, that is clearly one of the important aspects and goals ofpeacekeeping.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“A further and growing concern related to the protection of children is the attacks against schools and other educational facilities. In that respect, as an emerging donor, Croatia, in collaboration with local partners, has focused its assistance in Afghanistan on the education of girls. Equally alarming is the increase of attacks on humanitarian workers, as well as the widespread lack of respect for medical missions during armed conflict. Also, the increase in deliberate attacks against journalists working in conflict zones is a serious concern that must be addressed. Croatia would also like to stress the need for further emphasis on the use of mines and explosive remnants of war. Croatia has much experience in the issue of mine clearance at the technical level and the rehabilitation of mine victims.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Unfortunately, our own experience during the early 1990s has taught us that the impact and experience of such conflict are not the same for all civilians but can vary enormously among members of the different groups, depending on whether they are men or women, young or old, or living in an urban or a rural area. Not least, it will depend on the conduct of the combatants and the extent to which they endeavour to target or to protect civilians during hostilities. In that regard, Croatia is particularly committed to the protection of those most vulnerable, namely, women and children. Regrettably, the reality of children being affected by armed conflict is inevitable. The unlawful recruitment and use of children as soldiers continue to be a widespread problem.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At the same time, the international community also has the responsibility to help protect populations and to take collective action through the Security Council if and when national authorities manifestly fail to protect their population. Therefore, Croatia firmly believes that those violating human rights in armed conflicts today, including in Syria, should know that they will face justice tomorrow. From that perspective, we joined the appeal to the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court, as requested in the Swiss letter of 14 January (S/20l3/19, annex).”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“While international humanitarian law establishes a comprehensive legal framework to protect civilians from the effects of military operations, that stands in stark contrast to the situation that civilians in conflict- affected areas face on the ground. Nowadays, in the conduct of armed conflict, it is civilians who more often than not become the targets of armed attack and atrocities, such as murder, deportation, ethnic cleansing, rape and sexual violence, not only as a consequence of war but as a method and means of conducting war. Such atrocities were once the exception in the conduct of armed conflict, while today they have frequently become the rule. Individual States have the responsibility to protect their populations from the atrocities I have mentioned.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Allow me to thank the presidency of the Republic of Korea for taking the initiative on the vitally important issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. In our view, the topic is often at the core of the Council's primary mandate with regard to threats to international peace and security. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their interventions. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier this afternoon by the observer of the European Union. I would like to make additional remarks in my national capacity.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Finally, let me conclude by seconding the call that we have heard so many times today for the adequate participation of women at all stages of peacebuilding efforts and for their full inclusion in decision-making processes.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We believe that the best practices developed since the establishment of the Commission should be used more systematically in the countries on the PBC's agenda. It is clear that the success of operations aimed at keeping and rebuilding peace requires timely, sustainable, predictable and flexible resources. Croatia recognizes the critical part that peacebuilding funding plays as an early investment towards sustainable peace and development. In that context, Croatia notes with appreciation the special roles that the Peacebuilding Fund and the international financial institutions have been playing in peacebuilding efforts, particularly in helping to design poverty-reduction strategies and economic development policies.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Croatia welcomes the Council's commitment to regularly assess, together with other relevant actors, the mandate and composition of peacekeeping operations with a view to making the necessary adjustments, according to the progress achieved on the ground, thereby allowing for, on a case-by-case basis, the reconfiguration, transition or withdrawal of the operation. More specifically, in accordance with the outcome of the Security Council's and the Peacebuilding Commission's thorough deliberations in July 2012, Croatia strongly supports the calls for more dynamic relations between the Council and the Commission. The window of opportunity for that is open wider when the Council is establishing and renewing the mandates of United Nations missions, and it should be properly utilized.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Institution-building in key areas, such as the security sector and the rule of law, which have been identified as conditions sine qua non, is the most essential prerequisite for any recovery and sustainable development. In that context, Croatia strongly supports efforts to broaden and deepen the pool of civilian capacities for peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict, and an efficient exchange between the seekers and providers of services with particular emphasis on promoting cooperation among countries with similar needs and experiences.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“It is useful to bring to mind here the fact that the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) was established with the aim of supporting countries emerging from conflict by bringing together all the relevant actors, marshalling the requisite resources and providing strategic and concrete recommendations in order to improve the coordination of peacebuilding efforts within and outside the United Nations. In addition, the PBC is there to fill gaps that often exist between security and reconstruction, through an innovative yet coordinated, coherent and integrated approach directed at post-conflict recovery, reconstruction and institution-building.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“While recognizing the primary responsibility of national authorities in identifying priorities and strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding, Croatia strongly supports a comprehensive, coherent and integrated approach to those efforts. That of course first of all implies close cooperation between the host Government and the international community, but at the same time it entails efficient coordination among all stakeholders in the process. In that context, Croatia welcomes endeavours to further clarify the roles and responsibilities of key actors in this field, in particular within the United Nations family.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“The durability of established ceasefires and signed peace agreements depends to a large extent on the determination and readiness to rebuild the national fabric and basic institutions, as well as the ability to address the root causes of the conflict. The route that countries emerging from conflict take at the very beginning of their recovery will significantly determine their trends and prospects for future success. My country has contributed its share in overall peacekeeping efforts. At one point, Croatia was participating in 15 different peacekeeping operations simultaneously, and it is ready to continue to play its part in the future.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important debate around the issues that lie at the very heart of the Organization, namely, its efforts to establish and pursue the most efficient way to maintain and rebuild international peace and security. At the same time, our appreciation goes to the Secretary-General for his useful briefing on the subject. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union earlier in the debate. However, allow me the opportunity to share a few additional remarks in my national capacity. In our view, peacekeeping and peacebuilding represent but two sides of the same coin, closely intertwined and deeply interrelated.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“To conclude, in all the years that the Tribunal has operated, there have been instances in which the Republic of Croatia was unsatisfied, but it has always cooperated with the Prosecutor and the Tribunal. Regardless of the public perception of the Tribunal's decisions, we have always fully respected them. Finally, although the ICTY office is set to be closed, my country is determined to continue to cooperate until the final completion of the Tribunal's mandate. Croatia would also like to reiterate its commitment to the prosecution of war crimes.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“We are confident that such cooperation should be conducted pursuant to well-established principles of international criminal law, one of which is the principle of double jeopardy, and in full observance of respective national jurisdictions and competencies. In this context, we would like to recall that, in March 2012, Croatia presented Serbia with a draft bilateral agreement on the prosecution and punishment of war crimes. Croatia firmly believes that this type of proposed cooperation presents the best approach to solving war-crime issues, as opposed to the practice of one country claiming jurisdiction for war crimes that were not committed in its territory or by its citizens. However, we regret to inform the Council that we have not received any response from the Serbian side to date.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“An independent outside judicial body that recognizes and sanctions individual responsibility for specific war crimes reduces the danger of mutual arbitrary accusations and retribution against whole nations and peoples in the region. The recent verdict in the case of the retired Croatian generals was met with criticism by Croatia's neighbour, Serbia. While we fully cooperated with the Tribunal, the final verdict was reached by the Tribunal alone. Since the Tribunal was established by the Security Council, we feel that any grievance regarding the decisions of the Tribunal should be addressed by the founding body rather than by Croatia. Croatia is deeply committed to the continuation of the process of reconciliation between the successor States to the former Yugoslavia, and fully supports regional cooperation in the area of war crimes.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“On the other hand, the judgement did not state that there were no individual crimes, including war crimes, committed by the Croatian side. We are aware that on an individual level such crimes did occur, and this judgement does not by any means trivialize those crimes or negate the fact that they are unacceptable. The Republic of Croatia has prosecuted many individuals for such crimes, and I particularly stress that it will continue to do so. In doing this, we count on the cooperation of all interested States and organizations. Furthermore, we call upon other successor States of the former Yugoslavia to process war crimes committed by their own citizens. An additional reason why Croatia supported the work of the Tribunal was its contribution to building sound foundations for post-war and future cooperation in the region.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“However, we cannot accept reactions that are tantamount to questioning or even rejecting the decisions of the Tribunal and that contribute to creating an atmosphere that makes it difficult to continue the positive processes under way in the region. We are of the View that every responsible member of the international community should respect legal order and the commitments undertaken, whether they agree with them or not. The initial purpose of the Tribunal can be achieved only by determining the truth. Part of the truth that the Tribunal confirmed in the recent judgements concerning retired Croatian generals is that Croatia was not involved in and did not conduct any joint criminal enterprise, and that it was not Government policy to plan or commit war crimes.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“We sincerely hope that judicial proceedings against indicted individuals will be concluded in a short period of time, taking into account the deadlines for completion of the work of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Prosecuting war crimes is a process that must continue. An important element of that process is confronting the past, however difficult it may be. The acceptance of the substantiated truth is a prerequisite to the process leading to reconciliation. We understand the possible frustration of those who developed their positions based on attempts to create a false sense of parity by equating criminal policy in se with individual crimes committed on the other side that did not have support in Government policy.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“Its establishment was a welcome and much- needed development that signaled the international community's opposition and response to the culture of impunity that had for centuries prevailed in matters concerning responsibility for crimes committed during war and armed conflict. The main purpose of the Tribunal has been to prosecute persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and to contribute thereby to the restoration and maintenance of peace, as well as to the promotion of justice and reconciliation in the region. Despite certain shortcomings, the Court has played an important role in enhancing the universality of justice.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“Since this is the first time that my delegation takes the floor this month, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. At the same time, I would like to thank Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri and the Indian delegation for their excellent work last month. Allow me to begin by welcoming Presidents Meron and Joensen, as well as Prosecutors Brammertz and J allow, and by thanking them for the reports on the work of the Tribunals and on the progress and challenges in the implementation of the completion strategy. The Republic of Croatia advocated the establishment of the Tribunal and its operation from the outset.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“With regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards joining NATO, we urge the political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to further the efforts towards implementing the six-party political agreement on the issue of military property and to work constructively to implement it without delay in order to start the first cycle of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Membership Action Plan as soon as possible. Croatia wants to develop the Euro-Atlantic partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We stand ready to cooperate closely with Bosnia and Herzegovina on all issues relating to Croatia's future European Union membership and to provide Bosnia and Herzegovina with firm political and robust technical support in that process of European integration.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“That the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who do not belong to one of the three constituent peoples are discriminated against by the election process and that Bosniaks and Croats in the Republika Srpska and Serbs in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina suffer the same type of discrimination is a legacy of the Dayton Peace Accords. Nevertheless, we urge the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach a viable and sustainable solution on that issue. We believe that the relevant objective, which is a key element for the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, will be achieved at the earliest possible time.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Breaching their right to have political representatives whom they themselves elected is dangerous not only for their political existence but for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole. It would be equally detrimental if the other two constituent peoples were unable to elect their genuine representatives. That said, it should be stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a State of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or faith. As such, it must implement the verdict of the European Court of Human Rights on the Sejdie-Finci case.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“In many aspects, that system, rooted in the Dayton Peace Accords, is based on ethnic representation, which is meant to be founded on genuine equality among the three constitutive peoples. That equality is the key to successfully achieving an ethnic balance among its citizens, stability and the functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a conditio sine qua non of the political, economic and cultural life of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, such equality is not secured through the current electoral legislation. The Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the least numerous but are nevertheless a constitutive people.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Croatia notes with regret that, 17 years after the war, there are still doubts about the territorial integrity and the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consequently, instead of discussing today Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress on the NATO Membership Action Plan and the opening and closing of European Union membership negotiation chapters, we are compelled to struggle with separatist tendencies and the obstruction of democratic processes. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a future as a member of the Euro-Atlantic community, as a modern European State with a developed democracy and a Viable and competitive economy, and as a State with a particular political system.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“At the outset, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to Your Excellency on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. Let me also welcome His Excellency Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to thank him for his briefing and his report (see S/2012/813). Croatia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union (EU), to be delivered shortly. However, allow me to make a statement in my national capacity as well. Bosnia and Herzegovina developing as a fully functional State and joining NATO and the EU is not only something that Croatia strongly supports and will continue to support, but is also crucial to stability in South-Eastern Europe.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Our allegiance is with the truth and the consequent punishment of all war crimes, regardless of the nationality or religion of their perpetrators. Our hope is that peace based on justice is possible and will be advanced by our joint endeavours.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“In that sense, let me reassure you, Mr. President, that Croatia will ensure that the parameters for legitimate military action, derived from the ICTY judgement and which present new jurisprudence in international law, are fully considered and respected while making decisions at the national level, as well as in bodies of collective defence and security. Fourthly, Croatia strongly supports the Tribunal's main purpose and primary functions, which are, according to relevant Security Council resolutions, the establishment of lasting peace and reconciliation. The constructive and objective reactions of all relevant political actors in Croatia after the judgement in the Gotovina et al. case was rendered clearly testify to our determination in that regard. Our sympathy lies with the victims, regardless of their nationality or religion.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“That discussion will continue in The Hague between the relevant parties. At the same time, I have to underline that we respectfully but strongly disagree with some of its historical and political qualifications. Yet, let me also stress here that both President Josipovie and Prime Minister Kosor clearly stated, immediately after the first instance sentence was rendered, that Croatia is a democratic State based on the rule of law, where judicial institutions are respected and their verdicts adhered to. Full cooperation with the ICTY and respect for international justice is a lasting commitment, not only in the context of our Euro-Atlantic integration process but as a determination of Croatia's core values and its present and future role in the international community as a United Nations, NATO and, soon, European Union member.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, in the context of the recently rendered first instance judgement in the Gotovina et al. case, allow me briefly to make a few additional remarks. First, in addition to Croatia's ongoing firm determination to continue its full cooperation with the ICTY and the Prosecutor's Office, which I have already mentioned, let me also stress Croatia's strongest determination to fully respect any verdict rendered by the ICTY. Secondly, Croatia particularly noticed the fact that the Gotovina et al. judgement explicitly stated that "Croatia's choice to resort to Operation Storm was not on trial" and, consequently, that homeland war is not criminalized. Thirdly, since the Council represents a political body par excellence, we do not have any intention of discussing legal aspects of the Gotovina et al. judgement.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source