Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security
Council meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thank you, President. Let me join others in congratulating China
on assuming the Presidency for the month of November and wishing
you the best. I also thank Brazil for its excellent stewardship
during October. We welcome the unanimous adoption today of the
resolution renewing the mandate of EUFOR Operation Althea, and I
join others in thanking Switzerland for its efforts as penholder
on the text. EUFOR’s presence remains crucial for peace and
security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly with rising
political tensions across the region.
I would also like to thank High Representative Schmidt for his
latest report, which informs our discussion today.
President, the High Representative’s latest report paints a very
grave picture. It outlines the divisive rhetoric and actions of
the Republika Srpska leadership and documents the unprecedented
rise in attacks against the Dayton Peace Agreement, Rule of Law,
and the High Representative himself. In recent months, we have
seen attempts to undo the very fabric and structures of the
state, including efforts to undermine state and judicial
institutions and calls for the separation of the two entities of
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Faced with this threat, the Security Council must make clear its
full support for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement
and its structures. The UK takes its obligations under the Dayton
seriously and we remain an active member of the Peace
Implementation Council Steering Board.
There can be no room for doubt: Bosnia and Herzegovina is, and
will remain a single sovereign and multi-ethnic country. And we
support the High Representative’s use of his executive powers
where the situation requires it.
We also recognise the positive developments outlined in the
latest report, including steps towards greater institutional
functionality. We urge all parties to build on the positive
momentum from the elections last year by working together and
redoubling their efforts to deliver important reforms to enable
progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic path. This
will help to arrest the economic stagnation and democratic
decline that threatens the country’s progress. We hope all
parties will show the political will and courage to continue
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey towards a democratic, stable and
prosperous future to the benefit of all its citizens
I thank you.
