Statement by Ambassador Kelly at UNSC Briefing on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Statement

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to thank our briefer and welcome Minister Turkovic. We support the Office of the High Representative and believe that the OHR’s role remains vital to the work of building a stable and prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This stability is important in the reform process required for EU accession.
 
We therefore welcome the PIC Steering Board decision on the appointment of Mr Christian Schmidt as High Representative and look forward to working with him.
 
We note the past practice whereby the Security Council has marked the appointment of each new High Representative – we view this expression of political support as an important step but not legally necessary for the decision of the PIC SB to appoint a new High Representative to take effect.
 
We recall that the SG’s report of 27 April notes that, aside from the encouraging trend in Brcko District, the authorities have made no progress in implementing the 5+2 Agenda whose completion is a prerequisite for the closure of the OHR Office.
 
We note that the Council last November in Resolution 2549 reiterated its calls on the competent authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to take necessary steps to complete the 5+2 agenda.
 
The requirements that need to be met by the Bosnian authorities for the closure of the OHR office were agreed by the PIC Steering Board – the 5+2 objectives.
 
Finally, Mr President, I would like to thank Mr Inzko for his many years of distinguished service as High Representative.
 
Thank you.

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