Sumario: EU Presidency Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (16 May 2007: New York)
Statement on behalf of the European Union, by H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Permanent Representative of Germany, on the Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the United Nations Security Council, New York
I have the pleasure of speaking on behalf of the 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 and Serbia, the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.
As this is the first time I have taken the floor under your Presidency of the Security Council, please allow me to congratulate you on the assumption of your duties.
Let me start by thanking the High Representative and EU Special Representative Dr. Christian Schwarz-Schilling for his briefing on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would also like to warmly welcome the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Nikola Spiric.
Since the last time you briefed the Council, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen positive developments in some areas. In others, progress was scarce.
The October 2006 elections have led to the formation of a new government. The European Union welcomed the formation of a new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in February. In November 2006, Bosnia and Herzegovina was invited to join NATO's Partnership for Peace Program. In May 2007, the city of Sarajevo was selected as the seat for the new Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat.
There was also progress on the issue of police certification. On 30 April, the UK Presidency of the Security Council issued a letter to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are grateful that this brought this long-standing issue to a resolution. Both you, Dr. Schwarz-Schilling and your predecessor have been very engaged on this matter. The Office of the High Representative and EU Special Representative contributed to this particular solution through close cooperation with UNSC members and DPKO.
Cooperation was also close with the Council of Europe and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implementation of this solution will require continued engagement from the Office of the High Representative / EU Special Representative and the EU Police Mission.
Mr. President,
On 3 May 2007, the EU Member States approved the text of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conclusion of this Agreement could bring Bosnia and Herzegovina a step closer to the EU. However, the conclusion of an Agreement depends on progress in four key areas: Building up the country's public administration, implementing police reform and public broadcasting legislation, as well as on full cooperation with the ICTY. Unfortunately, progress in these areas
is still lacking.
We therefore call upon all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together constructively to overcome the remaining obstacles as soon as possible. To this end, the political leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina must assume its responsibility in a clear, immediate and determined way, and overcome the current lack of progress.
However, the deterioration of the political climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the return of the nationalistic rhetoric are causes for concern. Let me remind you that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear European perspective. The endorsement of the Stabilization and Association Agreement as well as the initialing of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements are a clear indication that all 27 Member States remain committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European future. Equally, the
European Commission is continuing to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts. Progress towards the European Union, however, depends to a large extent on Bosnia and Herzegovina and its own efforts.
Allow me to also say a word on constitutional reform. Although not a precondition for concluding the Stabilization and Association Agreement, constitutional reform is essential for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Functional and sustainable state structures are necessary to be better prepared for EU integration. Bosnian ownership in this process is indispensable. We are also grateful for the contribution of the High Representative and EU Special Representative in helping to bring this
important issue forward.
The Peace Implementation Council Steering Board decided in February against confirming OHR closure in 2007. The decision was based on an assessment of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the wider region on the basis of the analysis presented by the High Representative. The aim is now to close the OHR by 30 June 2008. The PIC Steering Board agreed to review the situation at its meetings in October 2007 and February 2008. Transition remains the goal, the policy of ownership remains
the guiding principle. The extension of the OHR is intended to complete transition in the shortest possible time. The European Union will continue to help Bosnia and Herzegovina to make the final steps from peace implementation to European integration.
Mr. President,
As this also is the last time the High Representative and EU Special Representative briefed the Council, please allow me to conclude by thanking Dr. Schwarz-Schilling on behalf of the European Union but also in my national capacity for his hard work and efforts in bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European structures. During the mandate of Dr. Schwarz-Schilling, Bosnia and Herzegovina has indeed made considerable progress on this path. Please accept our gratitude and best wishes for
your part in this important project.
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