Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação na Bósnia e Herzegovina - 2 de novembro de 2023 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
November 2nd, 2023

Mister President,

Let me first thank you, Mr. President, and the members of the Security Council for the kind words addressed to my country and my delegation on our recently concluded presidency. I wish also to congratulate you and the delegation of China on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and assure you of my delegation’s full support and engagement. I recognize the presence in this meeting of the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, and the observer of the European Union, and extend a warm welcome to them.

I also thank the Swiss delegation for the way it conducted the consultations with members for a smooth renewal of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorization. The multinational force plays an essential role in preserving the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a time of increasing tensions and challenges to the country’s institutions.

The latest High Representative's report highlights alarming trends, which put the relative stability of recent decades at risk. We are particularly concerned about the resistance of some in relation to the authority of national institutions, seeking in some cases to impose obstacles on the full functioning of the executive and the Constitutional Court. In the recent past, that obstructionist attitude led the High Representative to invoke the Bonn powers — an extreme solution that should be avoided whenever possible through compromises between political forces. The irresponsible rhetoric of some leaders poses risks to the country’s stability. Using the threat of secession as a political instrument is unacceptable. It goes against the spirit and letter of the Dayton Accords, including the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and relevant Security Council resolutions.

Mister President,

Brazil reiterates its support for the consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a functional State integrated into its regional environment — a basic condition for its economic and social development. The Dayton Accords offers a road map to achieving that objective, ensuring the necessary guarantees for the security of all ethnic groups. We encourage local political forces to respect their commitments and collaborate to strengthen national institutions. We fully support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and reject attempts to revive outdated and destructive illusions. Calls for the secession of one of its entities must not find an echo today. Brazil condemns the spread of hate speech intent on destroying trust between communities. We encourage other Member States to exert their influence on local leaders to discourage words and actions that threaten national unity.

We believe that strict adherence to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina still offers the best prospects for preserving peace and stability. Brazil reiterates its support for the full implementation of the 5+2 agenda, allowing Bosnia and Herzegovina to finally complete its transition from international oversight.

Thank you.