I thank the Officer-in-Charge of the Europe and Central Asia Division, DPPA, Mr. Hervé Lecoq for the briefing.
I would like to start by reiterating Estonia’s full support for a robust and effective Office of High Representative as it is a strong contributor to the country’s efforts in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Estonia strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we are certain that its future is adjoined with the Euro-Atlantic path.
Although the country has made progress in several areas over 25 years, it is unfortunately now divided by political tensions. Respublika Srpska should stop advocating the secession and refrain from any actions or policies that could destabilize the country. It is high time to put aside the differences and focus on lowering political tensions and promoting reconciliation.
The Security Council has several times expressed its support for the 5+2 Agenda in the debates on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given that urgent reforms are needed and nationalistic and divisive rhetoric is on the rise in the country, it is clear that the conditions laid out in 2008 in the 5+2 Agenda for closing the Office of the High Representative have not yet been achieved. This has also been confirmed by the regular reports of the High Representative for Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Secretary General. The ongoing position of the High Representative is therefore essential to the efforts for peace and stability in the country until the conditions of the 5+2 Agenda are met.
We thank the current High Representative Mr. Valetnin Inzko for his commitment and efforts to helping Bosnia and Herzegovina for so many years. Mr Christian Schmidt (of Germany) was appointed by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC SB) on 27 May 2021 as the new High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was decided that he would take up his office on August 1st. There is no requirement that the Security Council take action to confirm Mr. Schmidt’s designation. The decision on the appointment of a new High Representative rests with the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. As my French colleague stressed before – these nomination rules must be respected.
Finally, we urge the parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in dialogue and foster an environment conducive to unity, consensus and constructive engagement in the interest of the citizens. We encourage the Presidency leaders to continue the country’s path towards the European integration!
Thank you!