Delivered by Permanent Representative of Estonia to UN Mr. Sven Jürgenson
As we are having our discussion here in the Security Council, the EU and Western-Balkan leaders are discussing how to strengthen their cooperation, especially to overcome Covid-19. And so, I am glad that Bosnia and Herzegovina is receiving full attention on both continents today.
It was a pleasure, Ms. Irena Hasic, to hear your realistic explanation of young people’s needs and aspirations in the country. Estonia supports NGOs that promote greater participation of youth in shaping their societies.
I would like to thank you, High Representative Valentin Inzko for your 23rd regular report to the Secretary-General, since assuming your post in 2009. It is admirable Mr Inzko, that although since then, your team’s size and budget has decreased by over 50%, the tasks you tackle remain closer to 100%. Estonia would like to state its full support for a robust and effective Office of High Representative which is still necessary in order to fulfil its mandated responsibilities.
Although the appointment of the Council of Ministers in December was a very positive development, we note with much regret, the paralysation of the work of many state-level institutions, including the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly, by the SNSD (Alliance of Independent Social Democrats) party. It was also disappointing to learn, that during the latest reporting period, the authorities of the Republika Srpska intensified divisive rhetoric and resorted to frequent actions targeting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and even its constitution. Mr Inzko, although leaders in the country showed preparedness to cooperate, especially at the beginning of the crisis, they should now halt regressing towards the pre-pandemic status-quo. In your opinion, is there any possibility of this happening?
We are glad that doctors throughout the country have showed strong efforts to cooperate with each other, including in the divided city of Mostar, as lately reported in the media. As Bosnia and Herzegovina is hoping to defeat the pandemic, the continued pursuit by some state authorities to block decision-making at State-level and restrict revenues to State institutions is very regrettable. It can hinder the ability of institutions to appropriately function and respond to extraordinary situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Estonia stands in strong support of the EU’s solidarity with the Western Balkans and its mobilization of the substantial financial support-package of 3.3 billion euros to help the region overcome the COVID-19 crisis. We commend the work and support of all others, such as the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP, who provide material and other assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, the EUFOR Althea is a strong contributor to the country’s work in maintaining a safe and secure environment. We fully support its continued executive mandate and call on all parties to refrain from any actions or policies that could destabilize the security situation in the country
In July this year, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The downplaying of this tragic historical event in any way is unacceptable. We are concerned over reports about the hailing of war criminals and institutions being named after them. Spreading nationalist and provocative rhetoric, denying war crimes, or glorifying convicted war criminals, is not in line with the country’s Euro-Atlantic perspective.
We hope that the Municipal Elections in October 2020 will be free and fair, and we call on the authorities in the country to start with preparations in a timely manner and find a solution that will allow elections to take place in the city of Mostar. We also call on the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to strengthen rule of law and implement binding judicial decisions.
Estonia is certain that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future is adjoined with the Euro-Atlantic path, in line with the legitimate aspiration of its citizens. We welcome the recently renewed commitment of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency to fulfil the 14 key priorities of the European Commission Opinion. To move forward, all political leaders of the country should deliver concrete results and implement fundamental reforms. During this difficult time, and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, we call on all levels of government to work in solidarity and unity.
Thank you!
