The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ministry Statements & Speeches:

Statement delivered by Ambassador Carolyn Schwalger, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, 12 May 2015.

Thank you to the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Inzko, for his briefing. Your report is frank in noting areas of concern, but also shows that over the reporting period there have been some important and positive developments.

New Zealand welcomes the formation of a new Bosnia and Herzegovina Government subsequent to the elections in October last year. Electoral arrangements are complex, making the holding of peaceful elections, and an orderly installation of the duly elected Government, a significant achievement.

We wish the Government well as it confronts the many challenges ahead. Navigating these challenges will require strong political will and determination.

Madam President, the commitment of representatives from across the political spectrum to social and economic reforms, with a view to closer engagement with the European Union through the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, is a positive step.

The socio-economic and good governance reforms which are part of this process will benefit the full population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The strengthening of institutions and the rule of law will support lasting stability and prosperity within a well-functioning state.

We encourage the international community, especially neighbours in the region and the EU, to support Bosnia and Herzegovina as it undertakes the necessary but difficult reforms ahead.

While healthy debate stimulates healthy democracy, unlocking a country’s full potential requires all parties to share a common aspiration for a united and prosperous future.

The divisive rhetoric once again identified in the High Representative’s report is therefore concerning.

Attempts to undermine the unity of the country, such as through calling for a referendum on secession, distract from the important reform agenda Bosnia and Herzegovina has ahead of it. As the High Representative pointed out, they also directly challenge the basic tenets of the General Framework Agreement for Peace.

We hope that this kind of rhetoric can be left behind and for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.

Madam President, in this twentieth year of the Dayton Peace Accords, progress is clearly evident. Yet still much remains to be achieved.

The five objectives and two conditions set by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, and which are prerequisites for the closure of the Office of the High Representative, have not yet been accomplished.

While the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is, as it should be, in the hands of its citizens, the international community has a responsibility to encourage and support Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To this end, New Zealand reiterates our commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and wishes it well on its path to unity, stability and lasting peace.

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