Remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis
Deputy Representative to the United Nations
New-York, New-York
May 10, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President. High Representative Schmidt, we are delighted that you are attending and briefing us today. I would also like to thank the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chairman Cvijanović, for your participation.
The United States has long been committed to the democratic and prosperous future that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina chose and deserve. We will continue to support the country on its journey to a more prosperous and secure future in the Euro-Atlantic community.
We congratulate the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on forming its first new government in eight years. This was a tremendous achievement and the Office of the High Representative and his agencies played a crucial role. Now is the time for all levels of government to take advantage of the positive momentum arising from the formation of all of their institutions. Now is the time to make real and tangible progress on reforms for a more democratic and prosperous future.
We urge officials to avoid actions that jeopardize the Dayton Peace Accords or undermine the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Local leaders need to rise above ethnonationalist agendas and instead focus on restoring accountable, transparent and efficient governance.
For too long, ethno-nationalist parties have subverted democratic institutions and engaged in corrupt behavior for personal and political gain.
The secessionist rhetoric and attacks on fundamental rights and freedoms of the President of the Republic of Srpska, Milorad Dodik, are leading down a dangerous, isolated, authoritarian path. He has called for the creation of a special unit to “patrol” the border line between the entities, which could lead to a smooth division of the country. And he has taken steps that have undermined state institutions, silenced the media and civil society, targeted LGBTQI people and fueled tensions and security concerns.
We are very grateful for the work of High Representative Christian Schmidt, which has been crucial in keeping the international community informed of ongoing efforts to ensure lasting stability and prosperity in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. The Office of the High Representative plays a key role in implementing the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Accords and has been instrumental in ensuring that key institutions, including the judiciary, continue to function.
The United States remains committed to combating widespread corruption and the undermining of government agencies. We remain steadfast in supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina and urge the international community to continue working with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels of government.
In conclusion, the United States fully supports the High Representative and his ability to exercise all necessary powers, including the Bonn powers, until the 5+2 agenda is completed. The High Representative and his office need the support of this Council and the international community to do their work.
We also urge the Council to continue supporting EUFOR ALTHEA, which is crucial to maintaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thank you very much.
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