On Wednesday 3 November, the head of the EU Delegation to the United Nations, Olof Skoog, on behalf of the EU, called on Bosnian leaders to move away from their separatist rhetoric.
Mr Skoog explained that the EU “strongly” condemned rhetoric aimed at challenging the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the state institutions. He explained that the EU expected politicians to put an end to such rhetoric and actions “which only contribute to fuelling the political crisis” and to commit themselves to promoting reconciliation through “strong and concrete actions”.
“The EU urges all political players in Bosnia and Herzegovina to abandon the divisionist and secessionist rhetoric rooted in the past”, he added during a Security Council debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Revisionism, including the minimisation or denial of the Srebrenica genocide, and the glorification of war criminals contradict the values of the EU and are incompatible with the prospect of integration” into the Union, the EU representative warned.
The Head of the EU Delegation also regretted that the recurrence of the ongoing political crisis and the persistent lack of dialogue had hampered any progress in implementing the 14 key priorities identified by the European Commission. As a matter of priority, the political leaders must break the deadlock and refocus on reforms, which will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward on their EU journey, he said, stressing constitutional and electoral reforms.
Mr Skoog urged the country to work “with determination” to implement these key priorities. He cited, among others, strengthening the Rule of law, the independence and integrity of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, organised crime and radicalisation, the independence of the media, youth employment and renewed efforts for socio-economic reforms.
In addition, the UN Security Council renewed the mandate of the EUFOR Althea mission for twelve months (see EUROPE 12814/3). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)