Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on Bosnia and Herzegovina - May 10th, 2023

I thank High Representative Christian Schmidt for his briefing and clarifications. I welcome to this meeting the President of Bosnia and Herzerovina. I also welcome the delegations of Serbia and Croatia.

The assumption of the new authorities is a welcome development, which ensures respect for the will of the majority, as expressed in democratic elections. We also consider positively the constitutional amendment by the Office of the High Representative on the support of the presidency for a new government. Preserving the stability achieved over the years requires measures to avoid new impasses in the future.

On the other hand, we are concerned about the resort to the so-called Bonn Powers, as, in our view, it feeds narratives about the alleged imposition of solutions from outside. In order to prevent the erosion of public trust in the political system in place, we encourage local forces to act with restraint and to keep in mind the importance of putting the safety and well-being of the population above short-term political interests. We welcome, in this sense, the ultimately peaceful transition to the new Federation government, on April 28th.

Brazil views with even greater concern separatist rhetoric adopted by some local leaders, particularly in light of reports of the recurrence of ethnically based hate speech.

In this and other files, our position has been clear and consistent: Brazil respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and condemns attempts to relativize this fundamental principle of the UN Charter. We urge local leaders to express their firm rejection of secession attempts, which brought so much suffering to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the not so distant past.

At the national level, we take note of the High Representative’s concern over disagreements between members of the Presidency. We trust the ability of Bosnian leaders to prevent that the existence of opposing points of view – to be expected in a democratic political environment – undermine efforts to strengthen the rule of law and regional integration.

Brazil supports the undertaking of trust-building measures between communities in order to prevent further episodes of ethnically based violence and create conditions for the safe return of refugees. We condemn violations of minority rights in both entities, as well as any glorification of violence and denial of crimes committed during the war.

We are aware of the frustrations with the implementation of the Dayton Accords. We believe, however, that the General Framework Agreement for Peace 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.

And I thank you, Madam President.