Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at a UN Security Council debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at a UN Security Council debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later on behalf of the European Union.

I wish to express my delegation’s appreciation to the High Representative Valentin Inzko for his leadership of the Office of the High Representative and for his contribution to the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

I wish to stress that despite the attempts of some Council members to question his activities — under the provisions of the Peace Agreement “the High Representative is the final authority in theater regarding interpretation of the Agreement on the civilian implementation of the peace settlement”.

Mr. President,

We are alarmed that the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has deteriorated. Serious disagreements between the parties persist on many important issues. As a result, Bosnia and Herzegovina was unable to meet the requirements of the 5+2 agenda as necessary for the closure of the Office of High Representative.

At the previous Security Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina in May, majority of the Council members including my delegation expressed concerns over the statements of Republika Srpska authorities on possible referendums. We underscored then that “any referendum that contradicts the provisions of the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Dayton Agreement is illegitimate”. Unfortunately it looks like appeals by Council members fell on deaf ears.

Ukraine strongly condemns holding of referendum by the authorities of the Republika Srpska in contravention of two final and binding decisions of the Constitutional Court. This move causes unnecessary tensions and challenges the rule of law; it has serious implications for peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This referendum is the continuation of the policy of the Republika Srpska aimed at challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina including by threats of separation.

Despite the obvious fact that referendum is a very dangerous development for the region, one of the Security Council members defends this decision and supports Bosnian Serb leaders in their defiance of the authority of the central bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In fact, the authorities of the Republika Srpska abuse the special status granted to their entity by the Dayton Accord. Instead of full compliance with the Peace Agreement to everybody’s benefit, they actually undermine common state thus blocking Bosnia’s political and economic development.

This is very irresponsible policy. Irresponsible to the state of Bosnia and Herzegovia and to the people of Republika Srpska living in self-imposed isolation. Just imagine, a new generation grew up in the country since 1995. And many of them have never been outside the RS.

There are several famous bridges in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the old Mostar Bridge, the bridge on Drina in Visegrad. That very bridge to which Ivo Andric referred saying “Of everything that man erects and builds in his urge for living nothing is in my eyes better and more valuable than bridges. They are more important than houses, more sacred than shrines. Belonging to everyone and being equal to everyone, useful, always built with a sense, on the spot where most human needs are crossing, they are more durable than other buildings and they do not serve for anything secret or bad.” With this in message from Ivo Andric in mind, I believe it is more important to build new bridges in Bosnia and Herzegovina than to burn existing ones.

I would like to remind the Republika Srpska authorities that any referendum must be conducted in a way that is consistent with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution, and cannot violate the General Framework Agreement for Peace. Ukraine would also like to reconfirm its strong commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and urges the parties to avoid further statements and actions that could make the situation even more difficult.

Mr. President,

On the positive note. Ukraine welcomes the progress achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration process that is reflected in the EU Council Conclusions of 20 September 2016. We consider the EU decision to submit an opinion on BiH’s application for EU membership as an important step towards Bosnia and Herzegovina European integration.

It is vital to continue efforts in implementing the reform agenda that includes socio-economic, rule of law and public administration reforms. It is also important to demonstrate progress in the functioning of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organized crime as well as the fight against radicalization and terrorism.

Ukraine welcomes the EU’s readiness, as confirmed in the conclusions of EU Foreign Ministers on 17 October 2016, to continue an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to maintain the safe and secure environment, under a renewed UN Security Council mandate.

In this regard we also positively note the EU’s request that the High Representative presents a strategic review in autumn 2017, as a basis for discussion on options for the future of the Operation. It is extremely important to intensify the efforts and fully implement the 5+2 agenda

In the meantime it is vital to support the actions and reforms needed to reach that milestone and provide all necessary support to the High Representative as he fulfils his mandate.

Thank you.