Thank you Mr. President.
Let me begin by wishing you every success in your presidency of the Security Council.
I would like to thank the High Representative, Mr. Christian Schmidt, for his briefing to the Security Council.
I also welcome Ms. Željka Cvijanović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the Council.
1/ As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton-Paris Peace Accords this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina is going through one of the worst political and institutional crises in its history. Its unity is threatened. Its territorial integrity is under attack.
The constitutional order established in 1995 is facing unprecedented and unilateral challenges as result of decisions adopted by the Republika Srpska entity, following the verdict handed down against the president of that entity on February 26. It is irresponsible for leaders and some elected officials of Republika Srpska to reverse the peace gains by exploiting the legal status of a single individual, regardless of that person’s functions.
The decision by the Constitutional Court to suspend the laws passed in Republika Srpska on March 5 must be respected by everyone.
Mr. President,
France is concerned about the draft new constitution of the Republika Srpska entity. It is a further attack on public order, on unity and on the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It constitutes a new challenge to the peace accords.
France considers unacceptable the threats made by Republika Srpska leaders against staff of State institutions and forcing them to resign.
Given this situation, France recalls its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also support the constitutional order and State institutions within the framework of the Dayton-Paris Agreements. The European path for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s requires respect for the rule of law, court decisions, public freedoms and an enabling environment for civil society. France invites Republika Srpska leaders not to embark on the path to separation, which by compromising the European prospect of the country will be detrimental to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2/ The European Council’s decision to open negotiations for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union, subject to certain conditions, is a sign of encouragement and trust. It is regrettable that some Bosnian political actors are not taking this opportunity.
Mr. President,
3/ Peace is built in people’s hearts and minds. There can be no lasting peace or common European future without a shared vision in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Western Balkans.
This summer will mark 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide, which will remain an open wound in the heart of Europe. I would like to think about the victims of this genocide.
This commemoration should be an opportunity to facilitate common work to ensure genuine reconciliation of memories. This involves respect and honor for all civilian victims of the conflicts of the 20th century, regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.
But let us be clear: there is no room for genocide denial, historical revisionism or the glorification of war criminals condemned or sentenced by justice in a country and in a region that have expressed their desire to acceede the European Union.
Mr. President,
4/ The Dayton-Paris agreements brought peace after the deadliest conflict Europe since World War II. Thirty years later, it is this Council’s responsibility to maintain peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While the security situation in the country is stable, history has taught us not to underestimate threats posed by the weakening of institutions and discourses that stigmatizes one ethnic or religious group as a whole. The international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains necessary. Since 2004, the European operation EUFOR Althea has played a key role in maintaining stability and in a secure environment in the country. Turning to the civilian component of the Dayton-Paris agreements, France reiterates its support for the mandate of the High Representative.
As a witness to the Dayton-Paris accords, we will continue to support the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all witnesses to the agreement to do the same.
Thank you.