I fully echo Günthers introductory remarks. We fully support the work of the Office of High Representative and we condemn all personal attacks on Mr Inzko.
25 years ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement brought an end to nearly four years of brutal war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was a very historic and important day for the country. The political situation in the country 25 years ago was completely different from the one we are seeing today. A lot has changed, and in a significantly positive direction.
More than 80 percent of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina support the EU integration, this number speaks for itself. The Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency’s renewal of the commitment to fulfil the 14 key priorities of the European Commission Opinion is a very positive development, and we hope the implementation of these priorities will remain high on the Presidency’s agenda. 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 note positively the progress made during the past few months, in particular, the adoption of legislative amendments for local elections in Mostar, which must lead to their organization on December 20, for the first time since 2008.
25 years on, there is still much work to be done. In bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens closer to the EU’s perspective, all political leaders of the country should deliver concrete results and implement fundamental reforms. We urge the implementation of the revised National War Crimes Processing Strategy adopted by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers. We underline the need to work towards strengthening the rule of law, fight against corruption and implement binding judicial decisions.
It is disappointing to learn that divisive rhetoric and frequent actions targeting the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and even its constitution have continued. Moreover, downplaying of the tragic Srebrenica genocide in any way is unacceptable. Spreading nationalist and provocative rhetoric, denying war crimes, or glorifying convicted war criminals is not in line with the country’s Euro-Atlantic perspective, does not contribute to reconciliation and must stop.
We urge the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take concrete steps to promote an environment conducive to reconciliation in order to overcome the legacies of the war, in particularly in relation to the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide and the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreements.
In Dayton Agreement, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina was shaped by the country’s leaders together with its neighbors and the international community. Twenty five years after, the responsibility is fully in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only their leaders can bring the country together, respect of the principles of international law, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and good governance plays a major role towards the aim of well-being of all of its citizens.
Estonia calls on all levels of government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work in solidarity and unity. We fully support the work of the Office of High Representative and we condemn all personal attacks on Mr Inzko.
Finally, a question, how does the opening of the student dormitory in Pale, near Sarajevo, in honor of convicted war criminal Radovan Karadzic or paying “respect” to the convicted war criminal Momcilo Krajisnik, fit in with the country’s Euro-Atlantic perspectives and the spirit of Dayton Agreement?
I thank you!