EU Presidency Statement - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries - Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, as well as the EFTA countries of the European Economic Area - Iceland and Norway, align themselves with this statement.

Last month the High Representative Paddy Ashdown briefed the Security Council on his efforts to assist the reform process. His briefing reinforced the impression of continued progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but at the same time stressed that there are still major tasks to be accomplished in the coming months. The European Union has already welcomed progress in relation to the "Road Map", the first step in the EU Stabilisation and Association Process for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Accelerated reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina would undoubtedly put the country on the road to further European integration.

Mr. President,

Bosnia and Herzegovina went to the polls on 5 October. Seven years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, politicians were elected for the first time for a period of four years. It was also the first time the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina assumed responsibility for the election process themselves. The European Union commends the electoral authorities for their professional organization of the elections, which were carried out in a peaceful manner.

At the same time the European Union regrets the low participation in the elections - the High Representative characterized it as a protest vote. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have shown their disappointment with the inadequate progress in generating change and building a better future. It is a call for a more efficient political system and faster economic and social reforms. Thus, the European Union urges the rapid formation of effective governments, which are genuinely committed to increasing the pace of the reform process. The European Union would like to reconfirm its strong commitment to actively assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in this effort.

To a much greater extent than before all countries in the region should take responsibility for their own development. This applies to Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. With aid falling, and debt mounting, economic reforms have become more urgent than ever to attract much-needed foreign investments to fill the gap. The European Union, together with other institutions and fora, such as the Stability Pact, has considerably supported the reform process in the region.

Political elites as well as the general public have to identify with the reform processes bringing them closer to Europe. Institution building must be strengthened and the local level should be involved in the reform process in a more effective way. Furthermore, greater emphasis should be given to civil society, especially youth and women and their participation in society, politics, and education. The International Community must continue to support this process.

Mr. President,

The existence of organized crime and corruption prevents the roots of progress and democratic developments from taking hold. Organized crime is a threat to the rule of law, to democracy and human rights as well as to social progress and economic reform - organized crime is a threat to security and stability. Unless these destructive structures are broken down the international efforts to promote democracy and economic development will not be sustainable.

The fight against organised crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans as a whole is therefore high on the agenda for the European Union. Together with the United Kingdom the European Union is preparing a Conference on Organized Crime in South Eastern Europe. The conference will take place in London on 25 November and will be a good opportunity for the countries in the region to make commitments within existing mechanisms and to set clear targets in the fight against organized crime.

Mr. President,

The International Community has identified the following priority areas as crucial for the reform process in Bosnia and Herzegovina: rule of law, institution building, economy, as well as the return of refugees and reconstruction. The former High Representative, Ambassador Wolfgang Petritsch, successfully promoted these priorities and the EU would like to thank him for his extraordinary commitment to the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is now crucial to invigorate the pace of reform. Strengthening the rule of law is an essential part of the democratisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Developing a well-functioning judiciary and state administration are prerequisites for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union fully supports High Representative Paddy Ashdown in his "Justice and Jobs" program, and we commend the results already achieved in this field. Reform in the economic sector is key to prosperity for Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular with a view to creating jobs and raising personal incomes. This will lead to tangible improvements in living standards. Restarting the economy and creating sustainable development through the adoption of structural reforms should be a priority in the work of the future Government. The implementation of these reforms will be a precondition for continued international financial assistance.

The rule of law approach also includes full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia by all states and parties of the region. This constitutes a non-negotiable requirement of international law. In this regard, access to witnesses and archives are essential.

The European Union remains determined that all indicted of war crimes be brought to justice. The continuing impunity of persons, indicted on various counts of genocide, must end. The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as of both entities must spare no effort to locate, arrest and transfer such persons to the custody of the International Tribunal.

Mr. President,

The European Union has with great concern learned of the arms exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to Iraq. This is a violation of UN sanctions and demands a swift response from the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina both at a state and entity level. The current investigations have illustrated the need for an accelerated defence reform and a transfer of competencies for arms exports from the entity to the state level; the recent commitment of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take action in this regard is a step forward, which will require immediate implementation. The European Union would like to underline the crucial importance of establishing state level control over the export of military weapons and equipment.

Mr. President,

The European Union emphasizes the need for a sustainable solution to the issue of displaced persons. In recent years there has been a steady improvement in the return figures. In 2002 alone there have been more than 60.000 registered returns resulting in a total of almost 900.000 returnees. But still more needs to be done in order to create a favourable climate for returnees. The European Union therefore strongly regrets local obstruction to returns and urges all authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to honour their commitment to address outstanding legal and administrative issues in this regard. The adequate attribution of resources by the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities towards the sustainability of refugee and IDP returns is of utmost importance.

Mr. President,

The European Union noted with satisfaction that the mandate of the UN Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been prolonged until the end of the year. UNMIBH has now after seven years successfully fulfilled its mandate in the area of police reform and restructuring. The prolongation will ensure an orderly transition to the EU Police Mission, which will take over on 1 January 2003. I am happy to inform you that the "Status of Forces Agreement" between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed in Sarajevo last month, enabling the EU Police Mission to take over when the UN Mission ends its work.

In this context, the European Union would like to stress the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordination between different international actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the Stabilization and Association Process and the EU Police Mission, the European Union will continue to work with the authorities and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their endeavours to build a well-functioning multi-ethnic society.

Thank you Mr. President.

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• Bosnia and Herzegovina (19/9/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - The International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia (26/11/2001)