Schmidt: We must fulfill the promise from 1995, Reis Kavazović experienced attacks and humiliation during the war but speaks of reconciliation and peace

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt addressed the UN Security Council. During his address, the Chairwoman of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović left the session.

He said that the country is on an irreversible path of EU integration.

"A key step on this path is the candidate status that BiH received on December 15. This created positive momentum. As well as the swift formation of government, the appointment of the executive government at the state level, and in RS it was swift and work began. In FBiH, blockades occurred, which became a threat to the functionality of the entity. On April 27, when all constitutional deadlines passed, I enabled the House of Representatives to vote according to the majority in that house. The next day, the HoR voted for the proposal, and a functional government was formed. The Constitutional Court of BiH concluded in March 2023 that my decision from October was in accordance with the BiH Constitution."

He said that secessionist rhetoric from the leadership of the RS entity has increased during the reporting period.

"The President of RS, Milorad Dodik, openly advocates for independence and has even openly spoken about joining Serbia. I am particularly concerned about the joint declaration signed by the ruling parties in RS, which appears to be an action plan for secession. It states that entities possess property, and that property does not exist at the state level, which contradicts the decision of the Constitutional Court of BiH. They are calling for RS judges to withdraw from the Constitutional Court. They are also seeking the establishment of a police unit to monitor the entity border. In a letter to Višković, President Dodik promoted a misinterpretation of Dayton.

In RS, new laws and initiatives are being adopted that reduce freedoms. The issue of state property needs to be resolved in BiH. It is the only country after the breakup of Yugoslavia that has not resolved this issue. It seems there is an intention to misinterpret certain facts. RS authorities also disregard the binding decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court and want to resolve the property issue on their own. The law they adopted, I suspended, and the Constitutional Court annulled it," Schmidt stated.

He further emphasized that the PIC ambassadors expressed concern about the situation in RS.

"The Constitution guarantees the existence of entities but prevents secession, which would have serious consequences. We cannot allow disruptive rhetoric to destabilize BiH. I am grateful for the presence of the Althea-Eufor mission.

Little progress has been made on the 5+2 agenda, apart from the adoption of budgets at all levels, BiH continues to face challenges with state and military property, and the rule of law. The implementation of European standards is very slow. The OHR is committed to working and achieving its goals. As for the economy, there has been inflation.

Building trust is an important element for achieving peace. The war in Ukraine is taking them back to the past. Many have said they have stopped following the news about the war in Ukraine. Despite all this, institutional resources are inadequate. I call for public or private funding to help those most affected by this. The UN has previously helped people affected by such situations.

Denial of genocide and glorification of war crimes remain a problem. Without reconciliation, this country cannot transition from a post-war society to a modern country.

I am pleased that the city of Mostar recently changed street names that bore the names of Ustaše from World War II."

On War Crimes

Regarding war crimes, Schmidt stated that BiH is the most advanced in the region.

"After the ICTY completed its work, the prosecution of genocide has stalled. Thousands of cases still need to be processed. Those who have been convicted, and after serving their sentences, should refrain from public speaking, unless they express respect for the victims.

Divergent school curricula cannot help overcome these problems.

It would be good if all three members of the BiH Presidency agreed more for the benefit of the citizens and the state. The departure of young people continues. Regarding youth participation in politics, it is low, as is the participation of women.

Ethnic minorities and others cannot be appointed to certain positions; I call on political leaders to initiate constitutional changes to abolish discrimination.

Praise for Reisul-ulema Kavazović

The High Representative particularly highlighted the role of Reisul-ulema Husein ef. Kavazović in the reconciliation process.

"I want to emphasize the words of Reisul-ulema Husein ef. Kavazović, the head of the Islamic Community in BiH. Many listen to his statements, and I want to say that there is a lot of uncertainty. Reis Kavazović personally experienced attacks and humiliation during the war, and I truly appreciate when he speaks of reconciliation and peace. We in the international community must renew the promise we made in 1995 - Never again. Those who risk peace deserve a clear response.

BiH and its sovereignty and territorial integrity are not on the negotiating table. Respect for the constitutional and legal framework is the foundation for lasting peace and progress, and without it, it cannot move forward towards the EU. It needs to move towards the EU and adopt European standards," Schmidt said.