France is convinced that the future of Bosnia-Herzegovina lies in the EU [fr]
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
STATEMENT BY MR JAY DHARMADHIKARI,
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED NATIONS
TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
(TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH)
New York, November 1st 2024
Madam President,
I would first like to welcome the first day of the British Presidency.
Madam President,
Since 2004, the European Union has played a fundamental role in the stability and security of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the region, with operation EUFOR-ALTHEA. It does so on behalf of the international community, in accordance with the Dayton-Paris agreement and upon the decision of the Security Council.
The operation, in which France is fully engaged, has demonstrated it plays an essential role in guaranteeing a secure environment, reassuring the population and deterring potential destabilizing actors, in a context marked by persistent political tensions and worrying provocations.
We therefore welcome today’s unanimous adoption by the Council of resolution 2757 (2024), which renews its mandate for a further 12 months.
On the civilian side, France reiterates its support for the High Representative’s mandate.
Madam President,
France expresses its full solidarity with Bosnia-Herzegovina following the severe floods and landslides that hit the country on October 3.
France welcomes the holding of local elections on October 6 despite these dramatic events. It notes that, according to the OSCE/ODIHR observer mission, these elections were competitive and efficiently managed, despite some reported shortcomings.
As a witness to the Dayton-Paris agreements, France firmly supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia-Herzegovina. We remain very concerned by the initiatives of Republika Srpska authorities, which threaten the unity, constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina, principles at the heart of the Dayton-Paris agreements.
Madam President,
France is convinced that the future of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and of the Western Balkans as a whole, lies in the European Union. The European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 21, 2024 was a clear signal in this respect. Bosnia-Herzegovina has a unique opportunity to make progress in its EU accession process. France calls on the Bosnian authorities to work together to implement the eight key measures and move forward on the appointment of a chief negotiator, in order to move Bosnia-Herzegovina forward in its EU accession process, to the benefit of all its citizens.