Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Council: Further efforts towards reconciliation and good relations in BiH and the region

Ambassadors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council met on February 23, 2017, to discuss the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, writes Patria.

- Ambassadors of the Steering Board expressed concern over the serious political situation that has arisen in BiH as a result of the initiative to file a request for a review of the 2007 International Court of Justice ruling on Bosnia and Herzegovina's lawsuit against Serbia and Montenegro for the crime of genocide. They expressed concern about the potential consequences this could have on the functioning of the Presidency, Parliament, and Council of Ministers of BiH, and called for an improvement in the overall political atmosphere in the country. All political leaders should refrain from unilateral actions and return to the principles of compromise, dialogue, and consensus in decision-making, as well as respect for the BiH constitution, institutions, and the rule of law.

(The Republic of Turkey does not join paragraph 2.)

- Ambassadors of the Steering Board are aware of the suffering caused by genocide and other crimes, as well as the rights of victims and survivors, and reiterated the need for further efforts towards reconciliation and good relations in the country and the region. Tolerance, acceptance of others, and peaceful coexistence are absolute imperatives of civilizations based on rights and freedoms, democracy, and equality. These are also key prerequisites for continuing with what has been achieved in BiH in the last two decades and moving forward with the reforms necessary to improve citizens' lives and offer concrete opportunities to younger generations.