Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, durante reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Bósnia e Herzegovina - 1 de novembro de 2022 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho on Bosnia and Herzegovina
November 1st 2022
Mr President,
First, I thank Ireland for the constructive approach in the negotiations for the renewal of the authorization for EUFOR ALTHEA. We understand that other members of the Council would prefer to deepen some aspects of the mandate, and we welcome the spirit of commitment of all in favour of a consensual text. With the resolution adopted today, this Council expresses with one voice its support for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mr President,
The Secretary General’s report highlights the fragility of the political balance in the country, confirming reports from our embassy in Sarajevo. The October elections ended without serious incidents – for which we are grateful for the efforts of the High Representative – but we note with concern rhetorical expressions that tend to accentuate resentments and ethnic-based divisions. We encourage Bosnian leaders to remain engaged in the reconciliation process and avoid words and actions that could result in violence.
We believe that the presence of EUFOR ALTHEA, in the current context, remains essential to ensure peace. Brazil considers it important, however, that Bosnians themselves take the lead in the institutional reforms necessary to build a functioning state capable of ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its population. We regret the lack of progress in the implementation of the “5+2 Agenda”. The time has come to put an end to hesitations and increase the engagement between political forces in negotiations, with the aim of modernizing legislation and strengthening the rule of law.
Mr President,
We welcome the involvement of the United States and the European Union in efforts to mediate electoral reforms, as well as the continued engagement of the United Nations in the reconstruction of the country. The stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is critical to preserving peace in the Balkans, and for that reason, we encourage other regional actors to act constructively to guarantee the Bosnian people the right to decide their future.
Thank you.