SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES STRONG SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS OF HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENT ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Press Release
SC/6513

SECURITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES STRONG SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS OF HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENT ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

In Press Statement, Council President Says Peace Process not yet Irreversible, Critical Problems Remain

The following statement was read to the press this morning by the President of the Security Council, Njuguna M. Mahugu (Kenya):

"Members of the Security Council today considered the latest report of the High Representative for Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Carlos Westendorp. They welcomed the presence of the High Representative and fully agreed with his assessment of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They expressed their continued strong support for his efforts, and the efforts of the personnel of his Office, in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

"Members of the Council welcomed the substantial progress made in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. They noted with satisfaction that the programme of action approved at the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference is proceeding satisfactorily. The members of the Council welcomed the outcome of the Donors Conference held in Brussels on 7 and 8 May 1998. They shared the assessment of the High Representative on the improvement of the situation in Republika Srpska over the last few months. The members of the Council underlined the importance of continued international support for the government of Republika Srpska headed by Mr. Dodik in its efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Peace Agreement.

"However, the peace process has not yet become irreversible and a number of critical problems remain in both the Federation and Republika Srpska.

"The members of the Council reiterated their urgent appeal to the parties to increase the phased and orderly return of refugees and displaced persons, particularly to minority areas. They underlined the importance of the Sarajevo Returns Conference held in February and the Conference on the Return of Refugees, held in Banja Luka on 28 April.

"Against that background, the members of the Council strongly condemned the acts of violence and intimidation which took place recently in Drvar and Derventa, and other places.

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"Members of the Council also emphasized the need for the Bosnian leadership to strengthen the cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

"The members of the Council urged the parties to demonstrate the necessary political will to establish functioning common institutions. They shared the assessments of the High Representative that judicial system reform remains a priority in 1998 and fully supported his proposals on this issue. They also stressed the importance of promoting a free and independent media throughout the country and strongly supported the efforts of the High Representative to this end."

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