STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR BUI THE GIANG,

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF VIET NAM,

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

(28 May 2009)

 

 

Mr. President,

I would like to start by congratulating Ambassador Valentin Inzko on his assumption of his position as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and wish him every success in his important work. I thank him for his comprehensive report and insightful briefing before the Council today. I also welcome H.E. Mr. Nikola Spiric, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the Council and thank him for his statement.

Mr. President,

My Delegation has closely followed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the reporting period. We therefore welcome the positive developments that Ambassador Valentin Inzko has identified in his report, most notably the adoption by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly of an amendment that incorporates the Brcko District into the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution and ensures its access to the Constitutional Court of the country. We acknowledge the progress that the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have recorded in an effort to meet the 5 objectives and 2 conditions set by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) to expedite the transition from Office of the High Representative (OHR) to the European Union Special Representative (EUSR).

We, however, are deeply concerned about the mounting divisive and nationalistic rhetoric that challenges the sovereignty and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as actions and statements by some key actors that challenge the authority of the High Representative and the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. Given the overall fragile political situation of the country, we are preoccupied by attempts of certain circles to keep rolling back previous reforms and undermining existing State-level institutions. While reiterating Viet Nam’s full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we also note with concern the recent attempt to seek the right to secession. This, in our view, really casts doubt about the announced commitment to the rule of law and impede further progress towards the building of a secure and stable multi-ethnic state.

Mr. President,

In light of the ongoing political tension, it is important for the major political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to show their flexibility and willingness to compromise so as to make real progress towards important political issues. There is also a need for Bosnian political leaders to translate the November 8 Agreement into concrete actions, including addressing the integration of those displaced persons who cannot return as well as the issue of compensation for the property that cannot be restored to owners. All this is even more essential in anticipation of the next year’s election and its possible subsequent problems such as heightened nationalistic rhetoric and reduced space for compromise, to name a few.

Finally, Mr. President, we commend and support the important role of the High Representative in facilitating the implementation of the Dayton Accords and the adoption of individual requirements set forth in the EU Partnership and the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Viet Nam remains fully committed to supporting the genuine common efforts of the international community, contributing to building a secure, democratic and stable multi-ethnic State in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I thank you, Mr. President.