Statement on the situation in Yemen
13 February 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Yemen
Statement by H. E. Marko Štucin, State Secretary of the Republic of Slovenia, at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thank you very much, Mr. President,
I thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Schmidt for his briefing.
I also welcome the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Bećirović, as well as representatives of Croatia and Serbia to today’s meeting.
Mr. President,
This is the second time in a short period of two weeks that we are addressing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let me therefore begin by recalling strong support expressed by UN Security Council member states to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, primacy of the Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as steadfast backing to the EUFOR Althea mandate in maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Furthermore, we also recognize the Bosnian leaders’ commitment to keeping and advancing the country on its European path.
Mr. President, against this background, I would like to make the following points:
Firstly, the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the European Union. Not only because the EU would want so, but most importantly, because majority of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina of all ethnic groups so desire. The opening of the EU accession talks provides a strong incentive for necessary reforms that would allow all people, especially the youth, to envision a prosperous future within their country. The EU membership project also holds an opportunity to bridge divides and foster long-term stability, peace, and development – not only in Bosnia and Hercegovina – but for the entire Western Balkans region.
Slovenia recognizes that Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved more progress over the past months than in the previous decade. We especially commend the recent reforms regarding migration, border management, anti-money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism. It is crucial that this positive momentum continues as much work still lies ahead.
In the upcoming months, Bosnia and Herzegovina will face two key challenges: how to raise the standards for conducting local elections this autumn and how to support its public institutions to ensure their uncompromised functionality. We call on Bosnia and Herzegovina to do its utmost to overcome those challenges.
Mr. President,
My second point highlights the threats to transitional justice posed by the politicization of issues, the resurgence of secessionist rhetoric and hate speech, which undermine the hard-earned progress toward reconciliation and sustainable peace in the region. Additionally, deep-seeded mistrust and the attempts to deny the atrocities committed during the war, such as the Srebrenica genocide, fuel escalating tensions and it is imperative to acknowledge the facts.
In this context, Slovenia underlines the importance of regional cooperation in fostering reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call upon neighboring countries and regional actors to refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It is also essential to combat disinformation. All political actors must contribute to maintaining a stable security environment in the country.
Finally, Slovenia welcomes the report submitted by the High Representative and expresses ongoing support to his office and his work. At the same time, we underpin the importance of making political decisions within Bosnia and Herzegovina with a strong emphasis on local ownership.
In conclusion, we reiterate that Slovenia remains strongly committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective. Through dialogue, collaboration, and compromise, political leaders have demonstrated their capacity to drive the nation forward. The leaders must continue their work in a good faith and put people’s needs and interests over their individual agendas. Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot afford to lose momentum in implementing necessary reforms.
At the end, let me stress one thing – dialogue is key. We need to talk more to one another and less about one another.
Thank you.
13 February 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Yemen
12 February 2025 – Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Syria
11 February 2025 – Statement by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Chargé d’ affaires, at the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development, Agenda item 3(a) and (b), general discussion