UK Endorses Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic Aspirations at UN Security Council Meeting

We express our profound sorrow regarding the tragic incident involving an EUFOR helicopter near Brčko. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to those who were injured in this unfortunate event. Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and the wider EUFOR community during this difficult time.

The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous decision to extend EUFOR Althea’s mandate for an additional 12 months. The ongoing presence of EUFOR is crucial for maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We extend our gratitude to all Council members for their constructive participation throughout this process.

Upholding Sovereignty and Stability

It is essential to uphold Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. We commend the peaceful conduct of the elections held on 4 October, which marked the first nationwide implementation of election technology. This innovation has significantly enhanced the integrity of the electoral process and fostered greater transparency and confidence among the electorate.

However, as highlighted in the latest Human Rights report, considerable challenges persist in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These include ongoing obstruction within State institutions, a failure to adhere to decisions made by the Constitutional Court, and a lack of progress concerning State Property issues. The elections in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia present an opportunity to refresh regional relations and reaffirm commitment to the Dayton principles, which respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reconciliation is of paramount importance in this context.

Condemning Historical Revisionism

We categorically condemn the glorification of convicted war criminals. Ratko Mladić was found guilty by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Any attempts to deny or downplay these atrocities pose a significant barrier to reconciliation efforts. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by this Council, and it is imperative that its rulings are upheld and respected.

Madame President, the report from the acting High Representative, along with the ongoing challenges, underscores the vital and legitimate role that the Office of the High Representative continues to play in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom fully supports the Acting High Representative, who has been appointed by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board and is empowered to utilise executive powers when necessary, in accordance with Chapter VII Resolutions.

Future of the High Representative

We endorse progress on the 5+2 agenda but acknowledge that the requisite conditions for its completion have yet to be fulfilled. Until these conditions are met, the role of the High Representative remains crucial for safeguarding the principles of the Dayton Agreement and ensuring lasting peace and stability.

The appointment of the next High Representative is a matter for the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, and we hope that an agreement on a suitable successor will be reached promptly.

Commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement

In conclusion, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement, which establishes one state, two entities, three constituent peoples, and “others.” Any divisive rhetoric, including unilateral calls for secession or the establishment of a third entity, is incompatible with the principles of Dayton and poses a risk to peace and stability in the region.

We are committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, reflecting the will of the majority of its citizens. We urge all leaders to set aside their differences and collaborate towards a more stable and prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.