General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing/consultations on Bosnia and Herzegovina

(29 June 2021)

 

Remarks by Mr. R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative & Political Coordinator

 

Mr. President, let me begin by thanking DPPA Official Mr Hervé Lecoq for his briefing on Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also recognize the presence of Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina in today’s meeting.

 

2. The Dayton Peace Agreement remains important for building enduring peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To this day, Dayton continues to define the framework for finding solutions related to interethnic conflict settlement through dialogue between parties on the basis of equality and mutual respect, compromise and consensus.

 

3. The Office of the High Representative (OHR), as an ad-hoc international institution mechanism, has been overseeing the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Agreement. We believe that it is incumbent on the OHR to continue to work with all parties in an objective manner to build trust to overcome all impediments. Expeditious implementation of the 5+2 agenda should remain the top priority. We take note of the recent appointment of Mr. Christian Schimbt as the next High Representative. We hope the incoming High Representative will act to build cohesion among all parties.

 

4. It is unfortunate that the new appointment has brought to the fore differences among the constituent entities of the confederation. We are of the view that disagreement among members of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board over the appointment of the new High Representative needs to be resolved through consensus, in line with the Peace Agreement.

 

5. Bosnia and Herzegovina has come a long way in building a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. The problems that the country is facing are similar to one encountered on the path of building by a nation inhabited by people of different faiths, ethnicities and languages. We hope the Bosnian parties will continue their engagement in a spirit of compromise and maturity to address all outstanding issues.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.