Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Debate on the Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

 
At the outset, I would like to join other Council members in expressing our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the Swiss delegation for their dedicated and successful work in a challenging October.

I also would like to congratulate the United Kingdom for its successful assumption of the November presidency. Japan assures its full support to your delegation.

Madam President,

We are pleased that the Security Council has once again unanimously adopted the resolution to authorize the EUFOR Althea mission, and in so doing has sent a clear message in support of the mission’s important role in maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Dayton Peace Agreement. 

We also thank all contributing States for their commitment to this essential mission. 

I also welcome the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and the EU to this meeting.
 
Madam President,

As a member of the Peace Implementation Council, Japan has worked with Bosnia and Herzegovina to achieve post-conflict development and maintain peace and stability. In terms of specific projects, Japan has provided assistance in a wide range of fields, including anti-personnel mine action and medical and health care.

Japan has maintained unwavering support for the work of the High Representatives. We commend the ongoing efforts by High Representative Christian Schmidt to promote stability in the country. As stated in his recent report, we welcome that the local election was successfully conducted in a calm and peaceful manner last October.

Japan continues to support the socio-economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its integration into the EU.

Having said that, Madam President, we echo the concerns indicated in the report by the High Representative about the escalation of separatist statements and actions by one entity, Republika Srpska and the undermining of the functions of the state institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Peace Agreement. We also apprehend the lack of progress both in implementing the 5+2 agenda and in making adequate reforms towards EU integration.

Japan strongly urges all the political parties and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive dialogue to implement the Dayton Peace Agreement; unite to build the nation upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law; and accelerate the EU accession process.

This message from Japan has been consistent and sent directly to the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
 
Madam President,
 
Japan has contributed to nation-building and national reconciliation efforts since the end of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Taking this opportunity, as one of the top donors to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), we welcome the steady progress of the PBF’s projects aiming to promote mutual understanding, while advancing the WPS and YPS agendas and combatting historical revisionism.

We strongly support all actions that help the efforts of people on the ground.  

Madam President,

Japan once again expresses our strong commitment to working with Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to peace, stability, and prosperity, both for itself and for the Western Balkans as a whole.

I thank you.