Thank you, Madam Chair.
We all share the obligation to support and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom is therefore, like others in this room, concerned about the political situation in the country, and the implications this inevitably presents for safety and security. Repeated calls from politicians in the Republika Srpska to dissolve the state are dangerous, and are clearly intended to stir up ethno-nationalism and inter-community tensions in the interests of protecting corrupt elites. It is important that such provocations are not successful, and we call upon those making such demands to cease.
The United Kingdom welcomes the joint statement by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and the Secretary General on 19 April, and subsequent statements by the Commander of EUFOR Operation ALTHEA.
EUFOR ALTHEA – along with the OSCE, the Office of the High Representative, NATO and others – are key guarantors of the Dayton Peace Agreement, with the remit and capability to deter and prevent escalations or threats to the safe and secure environment.
The United Kingdom would like to underline the important role performed by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including on strengthening inter-ethnic relations and connecting neighbouring communities across political and administrative divides. We highly value the insight provided by the Mission’s network of nine field offices across the country. The United Kingdom will continue to support the work of the OSCE Mission, including through current programmes to improve the integrity of electoral processes.
Madam Chair, the UK will remain steadfast in its commitment to work towards building a peaceful, prosperous and thriving Bosnia and Herzegovina, working in the interests of its people. A more inclusive and cohesive society is essential to achieving lasting stability. Much has been achieved over the last 29 years, and we cannot allow for this progress to be jeopardised. We will continue to track closely developments on the ground, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with our partners.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
