Komšić supported the New York Declaration: BiH became a member of the United Nations despite aggression, ethnic cleansing, and genocide

(Patria) - Chairman of the BiH Presidency Željko Komšić attended the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform in New York tonight, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Komšić addressed numerous world officials with clear messages, emphasizing the importance of respecting the United Nations Charter and the universal principles of international law.

He supported the New York Declaration, which, among other things, confirms the commitment of UN member states to the goals and principles set out in the UN Charter, particularly respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the non-use of force, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.



You can read Komšić's full address below.

"Mr. President Zelenskyy, fellow heads of state, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. President Zelenskyy, thank you for inviting me to participate in the Fifth Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

As you stated in your letter, this is a symbolic year – the 80th anniversary of the United Nations – and we must show that the United Nations is not a symbolic institution and that the UN Charter is not a symbolic document.

It has never been more important than now to show that we stand behind the elementary political achievements of civilized society that the UN Charter has represented for eight decades.

The International Crimea Platform is a platform based on multilateralism, aimed at preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The UN Charter obliges us, as civilized societies, to uphold those timeless, universal principles, as you rightly pointed out in the proposed declaration.

Article 2 of the Charter clearly obliges signatory civilized states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations, and to settle their international disputes by peaceful means.



Seizing land from others, killing civilians, children, carrying out ethnic cleansing or genocide, for any political goal, national interest, or, even worse, business profit, cannot bring happiness or prosperity anywhere in the world.

I fully support the proposed declaration, which confirms that no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force anywhere in the world shall be recognized as legal.

Finally, coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which became a member of the United Nations despite the aggression, ethnic cleansing, and genocide we suffered, we reaffirm our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters.

Never lose hope. Good will always triumph over the forces of evil and destruction," said Željko Komšić in his address.