On Twentieth Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords, Secretary-General Encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sustain Reconciliation

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General notes today the twentieth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which, on 21 November 1995, ended the most devastating conflict in Europe since the Second World War and laid the foundations for a sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Secretary-General congratulates the people and Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the consolidation of peace and political stability, as well as on the socioeconomic progress achieved during these past 20 years.  He notes that the General Framework Agreement for Peace remains the foundation for the country’s unity and territorial integrity.

On this momentous occasion, the Secretary-General encourages the people, Government and all institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue their efforts to strengthen rule of law and to lay the conditions for a lasting and meaningful reconciliation in the country.

The United Nations remains committed to continue supporting the people and Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to build a truly multi-ethnic society, as well as a peaceful and prosperous future.