Statement by H. E. Dr. Jadranko Prlic
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
New York, September 2000
Mr. President:, Mr. Secretary-Gencral, Excellencies:
At the outset, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you Mr. President on your well deserved election. I am confident that your experience and diplomatic skills will be a major contribution to our successful deliberations. I also wish to express our sincere appreciation to H. E. Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab for his devoted work, tireless efforts and dedication while successfully presiding the Fifty-fourth United Nations General Assembly.
Mr. President: The Millennium Summit that concluded only a few days ago, has reaffirmed the unanimous belief of the world leaders that only together, guided by the spirit and the objectives of the founding fathers of the United Nations, respecting the established system of principles, norms and standards of international relations and international law, can we successfully respond to the current, as well as the challenges of the 21st century.
Despite of its weaknesses, imperfections, and sometimes missed opportunities, the consequences of which were partly felt in my country, the United Nations succeeded in maintaining the global security, in containing several local and regional conflicts, in preserving peace, and in facilitating the normalization of life. It has been successful in offering relief and hope to the most unfortunate ones. Again, my country experienced this side of the United Nations as well.
If all this was achieved mostly under the conditions of the cold war confrontations and in the climate of mistrust and in the century during which the humanity has reached the highest objectives but also touched the lowest levels, there should be no doubt that the United Nations can fulfill its new tasks. Now more than ever, enriched by experience and strengthened by the achievements in all areas of its activities, with joint potentials, abilities and the good will of its Member States, the Organization disposes with the conditions and means to make the planet of earth the happiest place ever to be.
Addressing, this Assembly on behalf of the country which is in the memory of humankind associated with the eruption of the First World War and as an omen of all the tragedy of the 20th century at its very beginning, I would like to express hope that at the very end of it, after all the horrors of the Second World War and after inconceivably tragic conflicts following the dissolution of the SFRY, Bosnia and Herzegovina has exhausted all the ill fate of being in the epicenter of the historic earthquakes and that, under
the auspices of the United Nations. it is ready to enter the anonymity of a speedy recovery and a blessed, long-lasting, and happy progress.The
United Nations trough its activities has and will continue to influence the development in the world. Of course, in order to do so in the future, it has to follow fast and very often radical changes in the international relations and to adjust accordingly and find the best ways to exercise its duties and its role. The reform of the United Nations. no doubt, is a very delicate issue. But its postponement and endless debates that only maintain the status quo are even a greater issue. Furthermore, they bring, into question the ability of the United Nations to modernize and democratize in order to improve its capacity and efficiency. I think that an agreement has been reached on some of the most crucial issues regarding the reform of the Security Council, including the increase of its membership, both its permanent and non-permanent seats, to include the representatives of the developed and the developing countries and to reflect more equally the geographical representation of the countries. I believe that by adopting this minimum of initial reforms of the Security Council and through continuos work on the other related issues such as the issue of veto, a favorable atmosphere would be created that would positively influence the relations within and all the activities of the United Nations.In our address to the General Assembly a year ago, our delegation announced that we would like to become a more active member of the international community, primarily of the United Nations and that we were determined to move from the position of the recipient of consideration and the attention of the international organizations and fora, which we were placed in for more or less well- known reasons, to the position of a contributor to international efforts. The fact that we are in a position to consider the need or even the imperative of taking a more active and creative role and thus bigger share of responsibility, testify to the trend of normalization of the situation in the country which was ravaged by a war only five years ago. Although small in number, an integrated group of 20 policemen from both entities comprising representatives of all three constituent peoples that were only recently fighting each other, have been deployed with the international peacekeeping force in East Timor. Only recently, this was even unimaginable. Furthermore, with a significant assistance and endorsement of the United Nations Mission on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the activities on 'the formation of a joint unit composed of the military from both entities are Wider way. Once established, the unit would then be sent to a peacekeeping mission under the United Nations flag. We are considering very seriously the possibility of presenting candidature of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council after the year 2010. In this way, we confirm our commitment to stabilization and normalization of life in our country. and particularly our commitment to economic and democratic development. We are confident that as early as in ten years from now, Bosnia and Herzegovina will succeed in becoming a member of the most important body of the United Nations.
Although we display courage in expressing readiness to take over a larger share of responsibility as a member of the United Nations and other regional organizations, we are fully- aware that we still need the international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. that we still need its assistance and support in normalization of life, in eliminating the consequences of war and in preparing ourselves for self-sustainable development and progress.
Implementation of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement still remains the main field of the activities of the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels. its implementation is also the primary focus of the international community and its representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Imperfect as the Peace Agreement undoubtedly is, this cannot be an excuse for lack of commitment for its implementation. For, it is exactly its consistent implementation that can bring us closer to the point at which it would be normal even unavoidable to establish new framework and new directions of Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards higher levels of development and higher living standards. However, this will only be possible when the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina become a place where and an instrument for realization of common interests and objectives of both of its entities and of all of its constituent nations, instead of being a spot for very costly obstructions and confrontations to the detriment of all, in particular those who want to return to their homes. At the same time, the Peace Agreement does not represent an impediment to all those courageous enough from the different spheres of life, including from sport, education, culture, economy, defense and armed forces in carrying out their tasks. But the issues related to the Peace Agreement are sometimes raised to the level of absurdity and the alleged "protection of the Agreement" is called upon even when it is obvious that the only aim is to mock its very provisions and to twist its spirit and sense.
Nonetheless, Mr. President, in many areas throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past twelve months progress has been made, which is encouraging and indicative of the fact that in many fields of life things could advance faster and more successfully along the road of desired and necessary progress. Return of refugees and internally displaced persons still remains one of the most painful humanitarian, economic, political and security issues. Still there are cases when returnees have to flee their only recently rebuilt homes when faced with brutal attacks by their neighbors belonging to the different ethnicity or religion, looking back at their homes engulfed in flames and in rubbles.
But at the same time, it is encouraging that more often the returnees are welcomed by their neighbors and offered the assistance and support. This is the result of joint efforts, although one has to admit that those made by the intrnational community are still more persistent and consistent that those of domestic authorities. Thus, during the first six months of this year, three times more of so called "minority returns" have been registered compared to the same period last year. However, the number of returns is considered to be even larger, since not all returns have been registered nor have been fully completed yet. The other positive development noticed in the returns is the fact that among the returnees there are more and more young people and families with school age children, which was not the case in the past, when only so called "elderly households" returned to their homes. This progress, of course. may be the result of improved security conditions, freedom of movement, somewhat better infrastructure, offering assistance for house or apartment repairing, but above all, this progress is the result of growing awareness of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that it is savage, illegal, and unnatural to deprive people of their sacred rights to home, life and security. Of course, such an outcome in returns was also positively influenced by the results of the municipal elections held last April which significantly undermined the power of extremist members of nationalist parties. Returns were significantly increased also due to a more successful bringing to justice of indicted war criminals, and due to a more independent, more reasonable and more constructive engagement of media. Still, Mr. President, the role of the international community in achieving all that has been mentioned, in particular the role of the High Representative and his assistants, of the Peace Implementation Council, UNMIBH, SFOR, UNHCR and OSCE, is irreplaceable. In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the members of
1 , he Security Council for inviting the three Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to New York last November on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement That visit resulted with the adoption, although with some hesitation and difficulties, of the New York Declaration. Implementation of the provisions of the Declaration brought about the major achievements: establishment of the State Border Service. formation of the Secretariat of the Presidency and improvement of conditions for functioning of this joint institution, reconstruction and enlargement of the Council of Ministers. and creation of conditions conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Also as a related activity, the first steps in organizing the battle against corruption have been taken.Mr. President: the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the constituency of all the three nations throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina will have far reaching consequences for the overall developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision should narrow the space of a unique ethnic and religious apartheid and disenfranchisement of the citizens belonging to the so called "minority nation". Particularly. by this decision the absurd, le al basis foidegradation of any nation in any part of the country has been eliminated.
Among the achievements that encourage and have positive impact on the change of the overall climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one has to mention those made in the area of judicial system. Those achievements are reflected in professionalization of judges and prosecutors and in its modernization. Through establishment of multiethnic police comprising of uncompromised professionals and training and education of young policemen in police academies, composition of police forces that reflect the demographic picture of the local population, the space for abuses is narrowed down, and the environment favorable for arbitrary behavior and unpunished harassment and oppressions of citizens belonging to so called minority nation" are eliminated.
Mr. President; it is my pleasure to inform that significant efforts are made in the field of promotion and protection of human rights and civil freedoms. The situation, however, still looks -more rosy" in legislature and in theory than in real life The war has left too deep scars both with people and social fabrics, and the forces that manipulated national and religious feelings of the citizens and that spread the seeds of hatred and advocated violence are still strong and installed in the pails of the system from where they try, sometimes successfully, to act pursuant to their original goals. The truth is that they are encountering stronger and stronger resistance. This resistance is enhanced by the full support of the High Representative, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, SFOR, OSCE but also by the internal structures and organizations, in particular by the House of Human Rights and Ombudsmen. In the course of the preparations for the World Conference against Racism and Racial Discrimination, we will request a number of factors, including the government bodies, courts, police force, schools and universities, non-govermental organizations, religious institutions and their leaders, and distinguished individuals from different spheres of life, to challenge those who still advocate and practice different forms of discrimination and intolerance and step on human rights, freedoms and human dignity.
Mr. President, We in Bosnia and Herzegovina are aware that healing the consequences of war and post-war stagnation and removal of impediments to the faster stabilization and progress rests primarily with the domestic forces and domestic potentials. Although some among us still do not show enough political will and responsibility, one cannot deny that the domestic forces of positive changes are growing stronger and that these forces are now taking over. Dissatisfaction with the situation and the future perspectives that is spreading widely among different categories of Bosnia and Herzegovina's society, ranging from the category of young people attending schools and colleges or are about to commence independent life, to the generations that are at their optimum age, full of strength but are more or less just surviving with low salaries earned in an unproductive firms, or they have lost their jobs with no chances to get another any time soon, to the category of the retired that struggle to survive on the edge of very existence. All these categories of population are more and more frastrated and the negative energy, which accumulates fast, could have dramatic impact and could result in dramatic changes during the general elections scheduled for this November.
Mr. President: Vast majority of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including significant parts of political structures, are aware that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in its integration into European and North-Atlantic organizations,, and rightfully so, since the country belongs there by its geographical position, by its civilization affinities and by its cultural and historical traditions. The Stability Pact has therefore been accepted as a framework conducive to regional cooperation, elimination of mistrust, strengthening of the security conditions and for catching up with the missed opportunities in the spheres of human rights and democratic emancipation and economic progress. Bosnia and Herzegovina wholeheartedly embraces the Stability Pact as the most important regional endeavor so far, convinced that despite slow realization of a number of projects and despite slower inflow of contributions, its objectives are in fully consistant with the objectives of the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the achievement of these objectives would embark us on the road to faster integration into the Council of Europe, the European Union, World Trade Organization and NATO. There is no doubt whatsoever that the FRY should participate in the Stability Pact but we share the views of those who condition its participation upon the necessary democratic changes in this country. At the same time, we consider that the other countries of the region should not be kept hostage of the FRY on their way to the Euro-Atlantic integration. In this context, we would like to recall that at the early stages of the establishment of the European Union, there was no "waiting list" for the present member of the Union and that they did not have to pass the entering exam successfully and simultaneously. At this point in time "waiting lists" and admission procedures could be counterproductive and could encourage those forces in the region, including in my country, that still desire the continuation of the state of chaos, lack of rule of law and the existence of exclusive private states.
At the beginning of this year, the situation in the neighboring Country of the Republic of Croatia has been significantly improved by the opposition victory in the elections. A number of issues that burdened the relations between the two countries have practically been resolved since, some of the issues were tackled in the bilateral meetings at the highest levels immediately after the elections. The change brought about by the elections also positively influenced the return of refugees, although more visible results in this area are still yet to come.
However, regrettably, there is still no improvement in relations with the FRY arid at this point it is still uncertain when the improvement might occur. For sure, without the democratic changes in Serbia, the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the FRY could hardly occur. As is known, Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed its readiness to establish diplomatic relations but the FRY conditions it upon our withdrawal of the case before the International Court of Justice in the Hague. The democratic changes in the FRY certainly would positively reflect on the internal relations between the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as on the overall relations in the region.
The democratic changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina's neighborhood certainly cut off the influx of exported elements of destabilization and crisis. The positive example of changes in Croatia is a clear proof to that. Such a change weakens the centrifugal powers and creates the environment for the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn to,each other and to themselves. Of course, this does not exclude the possibility of establishing special ties and a variety of connections of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its entities, with the neighboring countries in the best interest of achieving common goals and objectives and in the interest of eradication of everything that in the past poisoned the relations and lead in the armed conflicts the consequences of which are still present in material, spiritual and all other spheres of life, and regretably will remain with us for quite some time in the future.
Mr. President: we in Bosnia and Herzegovina must gather the courage and strength to face our reality and to choose the path and the direction that would lead us speedily towards the achievements that would compensate for the decade of suffering, deprivation and missed opportunities. In the process of making, this clear and rational choice, we would like to count on an unreserved support of the international community and on a sooner rather than latter integration into Euro-Atlantic insititutions. We have to say that this integration is already very much behind schedule and we do not have a lot of time to waste. Thank you Mr. President.