Note: A full summary of today’s Security Council meeting will be made available upon completion.
Point of Order
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) expressed disagreement with the presence of Christian Schmidt at the meeting in his capacity as the High Representative. The Security Council did not endorse Mr. Schmidt taking up this post, he asserted, adding that the Bosnian issue is on the agenda under article 7 and the practice is to endorse the High Representative. In light of the above, he underscored that Mr. Schmidt does not have the right to speak on behalf of the international community or to transmit any documents to the Council and the position of the High Representative remains vacant.
Briefing
CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting the passing of almost three decades since the signing of the Dayton Agreement, said that there are encouraging developments in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also profound threats to the fundamentals of the accord. Historically, geographically and culturally, the country is on an irreversible path towards European integration, he said, noting that European Union candidacy status was granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 December 2022. Also noting the positive momentum created by a quick formation of the executive and legislative authorities at almost all levels in the country following the general elections of 2 October 2022, he said the appointment of the executive authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska was swift. Both are in place and operational, he said, while outlining how he helped resolve a stalemate between the political blocs.
Noting that one of the key challenges to the full implementation of the Dayton Agreement comes from Republika Srpska, he said that the developments in this entity are not “business as usual”. The secessionist positioning and rhetoric by the entity’s leadership have dramatically increased in the reporting period. Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik openly advocates for the independence of Republika Srpska and even spoke publicly about it joining Serbia. This questions the fundamentals of the Dayton Agreement and pursues a secessionist policy, he pointed out, expressing particular concern about a joint statement signed by the ruling parties in Republika Srpska on 24 April, which appears to be an action plan for secession. Further, he added, within Republika Srpska, new legislation and initiatives promoted by the ruling coalition under Mr. Dodik are shrinking the space for civil society and independent media. Bosnia and Herzegovina must not become a country divided between authoritarianism in one entity and democracy in the other, he stressed. “We cannot step aside and allow divisive political tactics to endanger the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the cohesion of its society,” he said.
Welcoming reassurances by neighbouring States, namely Serbia and Croatia, that they fully respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he noted that the country still faces considerable challenges regarding State and defense property, the rule of law and various aspects of fiscal sustainability. Further, the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the situation of traumatized people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Denial of the Srebrenica genocide and glorification of war criminals continue to be a problem, mainly in Republika Srpska. When it comes to the prosecution of war crimes, he continued, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most advanced country in the region, but, even now, there are thousands of cases to be processed. War criminals convicted by an international court must be entered into the national criminal records, he stressed, welcoming efforts to create a legal basis for this. Disunity in foreign and defense policy is another shortcoming in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said, adding that it would be beneficial if the three members of the Presidency agreed more often on common foreign policy positions in the interests of the country and all its citizens.
In the face of continued instability, he noted, people – especially young people – are leaving the country in record numbers. When asked about the reasons for migration, many people refer to widespread corruption, nepotism, segregated education, divided society and a limited job market, he said. Overall participation of women in the executive and legislative authorities remains low, despite some appointments of women to high-level political positions after the October 2022 elections. Ethnic minorities and persons who do not belong to any constituent people, called “the others”, are banned from certain public offices, he said, also highlighting highlighted the widespread social exclusion and discrimination against the Roma. Expressing his commitment to dialogue with the political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and regional interlocutors, he noted that the country’s young people are looking forward to European integration. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable, he stressed.
Statements
JOÃO GENÉSIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil) expressed concern about the resort to the so-called Bonn powers, as it feeds narratives about the alleged imposition of solutions from outside. To prevent the erosion of public trust in the political system in place, he encouraged local forces to act with restraint and put the safety of the population above short-term political interests. He further expressed great concern over the separatist rhetoric adopted by some local leaders, particularly in light of reports of the recurrence of ethnically based hate speech. Against this backdrop, he urged local leaders to reject secession attempts, which brought so much suffering to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the not-so-distant past. Highlighting the need for trust-building measures between communities to prevent further episodes of ethnically based violence and create conditions for the safe return of refugees, he condemned violations of minority rights in both entities, as well as any glorification of violence and denial of crimes committed during the war. Noting that the Dayton Agreement still offers the best prospects for preserving peace and stability, he supported the full implementation of the 5+2 agenda.
FRANCESCA GATT (Malta) called for the representation of women in all Government institutions, highlighting the importance of an inclusive public administration. Welcoming the European Union candidate status granted at the end of 2022, she encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to strive in adopting the necessary reforms, particularly in addressing the 14 key priorities and strengthening the country’s constitutional, electoral and judicial frameworks. Those reforms must be inclusive and based on the rule of law, she added. She condemned all nationalistic and divisive rhetoric and actions, warning that they could undermine stability and the quality of life in the country. Voicing concern about legislative initiatives and announcements in Republika Srpska entity against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons, civil society and media freedom, she associated herself with the European Union in its call for the implementation of credible, genuine measures to address shortcomings in the protection of fundamental rights and non-discrimination of persons belonging to minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons. Underscoring the need for all parties to commit to reconciliation, she said this includes a school curriculum that represents diversity, but does not discriminate based on ethnicity. She underscored the important role of EUFOR-Althea in maintaining security and stability, noting that its presence is crucial for preserving the present stable situation.
CAROLYN OPPONG-NTIRI (Ghana), voicing concern about divisive rhetoric and actions which diminish the prospects for reconciliation and peaceful existence among the country’s many ethnic societies, urged all parties to remain faithful to their commitments under the General Framework Agreement for Peace. All legitimate nationalist aspirations must be realized through good-faith dialogue and in a manner that does not destabilize the fragile peace of the country. Noting the continuing divergence in the Presidency on matters relating to constitutional order and internal and foreign policy issues, she called once again on the leaders to work collaboratively to advance areas of commonality and find pragmatic approaches to outstanding concerns. Pointing to rising tensions in the multi-ethnic country, she also called for the continuing support of the Council and the international community in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Pending the completion of the 5+2 agenda, she encouraged all sides to respect and work collaboratively with the Office of the High Representative. She also urged the High Representative to exercise his responsibilities regarding the enabling laws.
MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon), welcoming the recent elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina that resulted in the formation of a council of ministers and the adoption of a budget, noted that many women took part in the general elections. While young people are playing an important role in political life, he pointed out, roughly half a million young people left the country in the last decade. It is crucial to stem this exodus, he said. Equally, it is necessary to reinforce the Dayton Agreement, he said, adding that it is the best guarantee for helping the country build a future that takes into consideration the aspirations of all its people. The leaders of the country must undertake the necessary reforms, including efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Bosnia and Herzegovina must be able to form a government, he said, adding that it is difficult to believe that, despite the elections of 2018 and 2022, the winners of the 2014 elections continue to hold interim posts. Expressing the hope that this situation will resolve soon, he added that the establishment of an equal and inclusive society requires respect for individual freedoms, including freedom of religion.
ANDRÉS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador) underscored the importance of the Office of the High Representative in the oversight of the implementation of the Dayton Agreement. Commending the peaceful holding of general elections in October 2022 and the decision to open the way to appointing the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he urged for increased efforts to move towards the full and equal participation of women in the political life of the country. He voiced concern over the uptick in secessionist rhetoric among certain protagonists of Bosnia and Herzegovina which could jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, as well as regional stability. In this regard, he urged all parties to abstain from adopting any unilateral measures that could undermine constitutional order. Further, he rejected the dissemination of hate speech and corrosive rhetoric on ethnic and religious matters and categorically condemned the glorification of war crimes which continues to inflict pain upon the victims.
MOHAMED ISSA ABUSHAHAB (United Arab Emirates), said he is encouraged by local and grass-roots efforts to promote intercommunal dialogue, which are often spearheaded by the younger generations. Women also play an essential role in supporting reconciliation efforts in post-conflict societies and their full inclusion is a necessity for the country to achieve sustainable peace. As the country builds towards a more prosperous future, due consideration should be given to economic development, which must be inclusive, ensuring that women and youth – and people from all communities – are able to benefit from it. Affirming his country’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, in line with international law and the Dayton Agreement, he voiced support for the work done by both the national and international institutions, including the Office of the High Representative, EUFOR-Althea and the institutions established out of the Dayton Accords. He urged all actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in good-faith efforts to resolve the ongoing political disputes, and avoid ethnically and religiously charged language, and any language that can inflame tensions.
FERIT HOXHA (Albania), welcomed the establishment of the decision taken by the European Council in December 2022 to grant European Union candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina. All stakeholders should come together to fulfil the 14 key priorities identified by the Union’s Commission, he said, stressing that making progress towards European integration would be by far the best and most meaningful investment for the future of the country since the Dayton Agreement. This will require resolute steps to strengthen the rule of law, democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and ensure equal rights for all. On 5 May, Bosnia and Herzegovina commemorated the 1,601 children killed during the Siege of Sarajevo between 1992 and 1996. That was “just one of the barbaric acts perpetrated under the men convicted as genocidal war criminals, Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic,” he noted, stressing that any attempts to rewrite history must be dismissed.
However, “it has become a pattern, almost a ritual: the leader of the Republika Srpska never misses an opportunity to use his own country as a punching bag,” undermining the statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he continued. Commending the High Representative’s active engagement to stop these dangerous dynamics, he said the persistent policies of Republika Srpska are “the recipe of how to make a country dysfunctional”. The leaders of Republika Srpska seem to have forgotten the consequences of fomenting ethnic division. No one will ever be able to build a viable and sustainable future in Europe by glorifying war criminals, denying genocide, questioning the sovereignty of the country and investing in hate speech. Recalling the war that nearly tore Bosnia and Herzegovina into pieces 30 years ago, he said that the Dayton Agreement put an end to it. Peace has prevailed since, but it has not completely delivered, he said, adding: “The impatience of the youth is the alarm bell that politicians are late.”
JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom) welcomed the formation of the new Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 28 April, noting that a functional Government is vital to help counter hostile actors, make progress on Euro-Atlantic integration and implement reform. The High Representative has repeatedly encouraged domestic politicians to come to an agreement and form a government, he observed, adding that his executive powers remain a necessary tool when the situation requires it. He voiced concern over the dangerous, divisive and secessionist actions from Republika Srpska leadership whose authorities continue to undermine State institutions in an attempt to damage the integrity of the State. Recent authoritarian legislative moves threaten peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. Against this backdrop, he cited as “more important than ever” that the Council maintains its support for the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and the High Representative.
SUN ZHIQIANG (China) said all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina must engage in constructive dialogue for national reconciliation. He underscored the Council’s role in the process of appointing the High Representative, noting that the use of the Bonn powers has caused considerable controversy in the country. The High Representative mechanism and its Bonn powers are special arrangements for special periods, he pointed out, adding that the international community should adopt a fair, balanced and prudent approach on the question of Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide constructive assistance in a manner that adapts to the developments on the ground and meets the needs of the people. Imposing unilateral sanctions not authorized by the Council do not have its foundation in international law, he stressed, urging the countries concerned to stop imposing sanctions, exerting pressure or interfering in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turning to its economy, he said the country should create a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign enterprises. He commended the constructive role played by Serbia, Croatia and other regional countries and voiced hope that EUFOR-Althea will continue its active role in maintaining security and stability in the country.
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