Statement on behalf of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Sanja Štiglic, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations
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Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of European Union.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Ukraine align themselves with this declaration.
Mr President,
At the outset, I would like to thank the High Representative and EU Special Representative Mr Miroslav Lajčák for his report and today's briefing on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would also like to welcome H.E. Mr Nikola Špirić, Chairman of the Council of Ministers to the Security Council meeting today.
Since the last discussion in the Security Council, important developments have taken place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Long expected police reform is on track with two police laws being adopted recently, thus implementing the first phase of police reform. We would like to remind the Council that the agreement on police reform was one of the necessary conditions for concluding the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.
There are three other key priorities beside the police reform where progress has been noted as well: building up the country's public administration, implementing public broadcasting legislation and cooperation with the ICTY. Thus, while there are still shortcomings, there are no obstacles to the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will take place as soon as technical preparations are concluded.
Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be an essential framework of the relations between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and constitutes an important element to ensure stability and strengthen dialogue within Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on Bosnia and Herzegovina to undertake all efforts to start the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, immediately after its signature.
We note in the report of the High Representative and EU Special Representative that in this election year the inter-party and inter-communal tensions remain fraught. We encourage all political forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to unite their efforts to pursue with strong determination its reform agenda including the priorities set out in the European Partnership.
Mr President,
Constitutional reform is essential for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it is not a precondition for concluding the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina will need an efficient, functional and affordable constitutional framework and sustainable state structures and institutions to meet the challenges of the European integration.
Mr President,
The Peace Implementation Council's Steering Board determined in February that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) should remain in place and continue to carry out its mandate under the Dayton Peace Agreement, until necessary objectives and conditions are met. The objectives set out in the OHR Work Plan need to be fully discharged by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure a viable state. The overall goal is transition as soon as possible, and the policy of ownership remains the principle.
The European Union has a longstanding commitment to the stability of the Western Balkans region and will continue to fully and effectively support the European perspective for the Western Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We highly appreciate and fully support the work of the High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák, whose efforts to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina evolves into a peaceful and viable democracy on course for integration into European institutions are indispensable.
The European Union will continue to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina to make further steps towards European integration.
Thank you
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
