Mr. President,
France welcomes the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2795, which renews the mandate of Operation EUFOR ALTHEA for a period of 12 months.
We also welcome the presence among us of Mr. Željko Komšić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With this operation, the European Union has been playing a major role since 2004 in maintaining stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. By decision of the Security Council, it has been doing so on behalf of the international community, in accordance with the Dayton/Paris Agreement.
Mr. President,
France, a witness of the Dayton-Paris peace agreements, will continue to support the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this regard, we welcome the recent developments within the Republika Srpska entity. The repeal on October 18 last, by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska of six secessionist laws and the election of an interim president, pending the partial presidential election scheduled to take place in November 23, constitute an important step forward. These efforts to return to constitutional order must continue. The early presidential elections in Republika Srpska need to be held under good conditions.
Mr. President,
This year, we are commemorating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Accords in Paris. Peace is there and the situation is stable, but it remains fragile. Thirty years after the Dayton-Paris Agreements, Bosnians people aspire to a European future. France and the member states of the European Union wish to accompany them on this path. This is a shared horizon for the entire region. It can bring stability and a prosperous future.
France believes that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as all the Western Balkans, lies in the European Union. This was the message conveyed by the President of France, who met the three members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Paris on Wednesday, October 29. The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms. Marta Kos, also participated in the meeting.
In order to move forward on the European path, it is essential to continue working to adopt the necessary measures, including the eight measures associated with candidate country status and the 14 key priorities.
France welcomes the finalization by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina of the reform agenda that will enable the country to benefit from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The forthcoming appointment of a chief negotiator and the adoption, as soon as possible, of the law on courts and the law on the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors would be a sign of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s willingness to move forward in the process of joining the European Union.
With regard to the mission of the High Representative, France recalls that this institution is provided for in the Dayton-Paris Agreement, with a major role in the implementation of the civilian component of the peace agreements. That is why we support this institution. It is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to the European reform process that will enable its role to evolve, an evolution that is in line with principles agreed upon several years ago.
Mr. President,
France is committed to peace, security, and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We welcome the positive developments of recent weeks and encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to carry out the reforms that will allow to progress toward joining the European Union.
Thank you.