Original text
We share our deep sadness at the tragic crash of an EUFOR helicopter near Brčko. We pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those who were injured. Our thoughts are with families and loved ones, and with the wider EUFOR community. The United Kingdom welcomes today’s unanimous renewal of EUFOR Althea’s mandate for a further 12 months. Its continued presence plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security in Bo...
We share our deep sadness at the tragic crash of an EUFOR helicopter near Brčko. We pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those who were injured. Our thoughts are with families and loved ones, and with the wider EUFOR community. The United Kingdom welcomes today’s unanimous renewal of EUFOR Althea’s mandate for a further 12 months. Its continued presence plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We thank all Council members for their constructive engagement throughout the process. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence must be upheld. We welcomed the peaceful conduct of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 4 October elections and the first nationwide use of election technology. This contributed to strengthening electoral integrity and supporting greater transparency and confidence in the electoral process. As the latest HR report makes clear, significant challenges remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Including continued obstruction of State institutions, failure to implement decisions of the Constitutional Court, and lack of progress on State Property. Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Serbia offer an opportunity to reset regional relations and to recommit to the Dayton principles of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reconciliation remains essential. We condemn the glorification of convicted war criminals. Ratko Mladić was convicted by an independent UN tribunal of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Any attempts to deny or minimise these crimes undermine reconciliation. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by this Council, and its judgments must be respected. Madame president, the acting High Rep’s report and ongoing challenges both demonstrate that the Office of the High Representative continues to play a vital and legitimate role in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom supports the Acting High Representative, appointed by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, and empowered to use his executive powers where necessary, in line with Chapter VII Resolutions. The United Kingdom supports progress on the 5+2 agenda, but notes the conditions for completion have not yet been met. Until they are, the High Representative remains essential to safeguarding Dayton and to ensuring peace and stability. The appointment of the next High Representative remains a matter for the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. We hope that agreement on a suitable successor is reached soon. To conclude, the United Kingdom supports the Dayton Peace Agreement: one state, two entities, three constituent peoples, and “others.” Divisive rhetoric, including unilateral calls for secession or a third entity, is inconsistent with, and contrary to Datyon, and risks peace and stability. We support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions, as reflected in the will of the majority of her citizens. And we encourage leaders to put aside their differences and work together for a more stable and prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Speech Brief