A/52/PV.71 General Assembly

The terms of office of the present five members of the Consultative Committee appointed under General Assembly decisions 49/317 A and B of 5 and 16 December 1994, respectively, expire on 31 December 1997. Following consultations, I have appointed Austria, the Bahamas, Romania, Thailand and Uganda as members of the Consultative Committee for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 1998. May I consider that the General Assembly takes note of these appointments?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 17?

As indicated in document A/52/109, since the terms of office of the Bahamas, Belgium, Ghana, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Latvia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Senegal expire on 31 December 1997, it is necessary for the President of the General Assembly to appoint, during the current session, seven members to fill the resulting vacancies. The members so appointed will serve for a period of three years beginning on 1 January 1998. After consultations with the Chairmen of the Groups of African States, Asian States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States and Western European and other States, I have appointed Argentina, the Bahamas, Belgium, Benin, Georgia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Lesotho as members of the Committee on Conferences, with effect from 1 January 1998. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of these appointments?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub- item (i) of agenda item 17?

I give the floor to the representative of Slovenia to introduce draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the sponsors of the draft resolution on agenda item 47, entitled “The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, contained in document A/52/L.67/Rev.1. In addition to the sponsors listed in the draft, the following countries joined as sponsors after its formal completion: Austria, the Netherlands and Kuwait. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be a matter of international interest and concern. While important progress has been made in the implementation of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement, it is obvious that further international efforts are needed. The draft resolution submitted to the General Assembly today addresses the most important among them. The last two years have brought significant change to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and the international action for its implementation have stopped the war and preserved the independence, sovereignty, legal continuity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders. The Peace Agreement represented a significant achievement and an important contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. The implementation of certain aspects of it, such as the establishment of a lasting cessation of hostilities, the progress made in the implementation of articles II and IV of the Agreement on Regional Stabilization, and the successful holding of municipal elections on 13 and 14 September 1997 throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, have further contributed to the international stability and security in the region. The efforts of the High Representative in the implementation of the peace process have gained wide international recognition and support. Among recent events, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of the meeting of the Peace Implementation Council held in Bonn on 9 and 10 December 1997. The At its recent meeting in Bonn, the Peace Implementation Council confirmed that there is no alternative to the Peace Agreement as the foundation for the political and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its two multi-ethnic entities and its three constituent peoples. It reconfirmed the commitment of the international community to continue to strengthen and support the efforts for reconciliation, tolerance and democracy as well as for economic and social development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The vital contribution of the multinational Stabilization Force in providing a secure environment for the implementation of the Peace Agreement has been generally recognized, and it is particularly important that the conclusions of the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference confirmed an emerging consensus on the need for an international military presence to continue beyond June 1998. This remains indispensable for the maintenance of a stable security environment necessary for the implementation of civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement. Draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1 addresses all these aspects of the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expresses support for the efforts to establish peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and throughout the region. Moreover, the draft places a special emphasis on those aspects of the peace process which require further international efforts. In particular, it notes the content of the fourth annual report of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991. That report describes the uneven degrees of compliance by the different parties, a problem which continues to give rise to serious concern. In this context, the draft resolution notes the conclusions of the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference, which state that all persons indicted for war crimes must be handed over to the Tribunal for justice to be dispensed impartially, under the terms of the Peace Agreement and Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference Another important aspect of the peace process in Bosnia concerns the return of refugees and freedom of movement. The right of refugees and displaced persons to return voluntarily to their homes is strongly reaffirmed in the draft resolution. All the parties are called upon to establish the conditions necessary for the return of refugees and displaced persons. The acts of intimidation and violence and the killings, including those designed to discourage the voluntary return of refugees, are strongly condemned. The draft also addresses a number of other issues of the implementation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the obligation of both the entities to cooperate fully with the Supervisor for Brcko. It notes that the conclusions of the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference stated that the outcome of the Arbitration Award in March 1998 would be significantly affected by the degree of compliance shown by the parties. Finally, the draft stresses the importance of economic revitalization and reconstruction for the successful consolidation of peace, and commends the efforts of a large number of international organizations, international financial institutions and non-governmental organizations for their roles in the implementation of the Peace Agreement. In a forward-looking manner, the draft resolution emphasises the importance of the efforts to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which has to be respected and ensured in all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of democratization and the holding of elections throughout the country, and calls upon all parties to cooperate fully and in good faith in ensuring substantial functioning of all the common institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the Peace Agreement. The content of the draft resolution reflects both the urgency and the universality of concern for the

My delegation will be able neither to co-sponsor nor to vote in favour of the draft resolution before us. But that is exactly why the Assembly should support the draft resolution regarding the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The draft resolution makes a positive contribution to the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It strives to achieve consensus both among the delegations here at the United Nations and within my Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unfortunately, some who formally hold positions of power within my Government may lack genuine commitment to the peace process and the State which they are sworn to serve. In fact, some may be using their official positions and legitimacy to undermine the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and the State of Bosnia itself. This morning I spoke with my Minister, Mr. Jadranko Prlic´, and he gave his full support for our co-sponsorship of the draft resolution. Unfortunately, while two parties are prepared to co-sponsor and fully support, one is not. As a consequence, we find ourselves in a strange Hamlet-like dilemma: to co-sponsor or not to co-sponsor. For now, we will not co-sponsor, especially without a consensus within our own central Government. We will not be accused of undermining the central institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thus unwittingly contributing to the very process which we criticize here. This is exactly why the Assembly must send the message that it will do its utmost to support the draft resolution and thereby support the development of the peace process and the State. Otherwise, the lack of support here, and the blockage and obstruction of our institutions from within, will result in the non-existence of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A State cannot for ever advance and survive on the basis of formality receiving priority over substance. The draft resolution, frankly, is nothing controversial. It is completely in accordance with the Peace Agreement, relevant Security Council resolutions, Bosnia's Constitution and the recently concluded Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn, Germany. The draft resolution on this subject is important because, once a year, it gives the General Assembly — the entire membership of the United Nations — the opportunity to voice views on this matter that is important not only for us but also for regional and global security and the credibility and image of the United Nations. In addition, and unfortunately, my delegation will not be able to vote in favour of the draft resolution if it is brought to a vote because there has not as yet been a consensus within my Government to pay our past assessment and dues to the Organization. Unfortunately, our membership in this institution, one of the most visible signs of our sovereignty and survival, is also being obstructed. We will overcome. Thanks to the Assembly's support today, the job will be made more manageable. Let me here take the opportunity to thank all of the sponsors and those voting in favour. Ambassador Danilo Türk's leadership and commitment of time is especially appreciated.

I have the honour to speak today on behalf of the European Union concerning the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, under agenda item 47. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union — namely, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia — as well as Iceland and Norway, associate themselves with this statement. The European Union wishes first of all to thank the High Representative for the relentless efforts he and his team have devoted over many months, and often under The European Union recalls that there is no alternative to the Peace Agreement as the foundation for the political and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its two multi-ethnic entities. The process initiated two years ago has been characterized by the fact that the military section of the agreements has been implemented. Furthermore, the international community has launched a substantial effort to rebuild infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While 1997 has seen real progress, further efforts will still have to be made in such diverse areas as the re-establishment of security, the indictment of those responsible for war crimes, the establishment of a free media, the return of refugees and displaced persons, economic rehabilitation and the holding of local elections. It is true that these results will remain fragile if further progress in the fields of common institutions and the economy is not made soon. Much more could have been achieved had the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina fully contributed to the construction of a civic and democratic society in the country. As we enter the third year of implementation of the Peace Agreement and the last phase of the consolidation period, major efforts are still needed to ensure the functioning of viable structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its two entities. The democratization process, suitable protection of human rights, the rule of law, the establishment of a market economy and the unhindered return of refugees and displaced persons, especially in regions where they were members of minority groups, continue to be of serious concern for the European Union. In recent months the Republika Srpska has been going through a regrettable political crisis. The legislative elections held on 22 and 23 November this year should give the institutions of this entity a chance to make a fresh start towards a policy of cooperation in the framework of the peace process. General elections are due to be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1998. The OSCE must play a role in these elections, which will mark a new and important stage in the country's democratization process. Further efforts are needed to establish a permanent electoral system. To this end, the reform of the media must be completed so that they can operate in a democratic and pluralist manner. Finally, the multi-ethnicity of the parties needs to be developed. The European Union is concerned by the fact that the central Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina operates without any organic law, secretariat or fixed headquarters. The Assembly has met only five times since its election last year. The central budget is not funded by the entities, which withhold customs revenues or do not collect them. Large sums are being managed without the necessary transparency and outside the legal process. Bosnia and Herzegovina still has neither a flag nor a common currency. The European Union wishes to reaffirm that it will not tolerate attempts within the entities to undermine the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nor will it tolerate attempts by any group to dominate the political institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on all parties to work together to ensure full respect for the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in particular to ensure that governmental structures at all levels become fully operational. The return of the refugees and displaced persons remains a priority. Although freedom of movement between and within the entities has improved, much remains to be done to guarantee the free circulation of people and goods in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A very large number of refugees have still not returned home for fear of acts of intimidation and violence. Measures must be taken The European Union reaffirms that full respect for human rights and the rights of minorities is closely linked to the restoration of a truly multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, we fully support the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, which continues to be an essential tool for national reconciliation once persons responsible for war crimes have been arrested and sentenced. Although there has been some progress in terms of cooperation with the Tribunal, it is still not enough. The European Union recalls that as long as persons who have been indicted are not handed over to the International Tribunal, the prerequisites for reconciliation and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be met. The European Union would like to remind neighbouring countries of their obligations under the Peace Agreement. These obligations must be met in full, voluntarily and immediately. The Peace Implementation Council met at Bonn on 9 and 10 December this year to study progress since the London Conference of 4 and 5 December 1996 and the Sintra Ministerial Meeting on 30 May 1997. The European Union welcomes the convening of the Bonn Conference and fully supports its conclusions. The European Union hopes that the impetus provided by that Conference will be decisive for the peace process and that it will be complemented by the full cooperation of all parties concerned. We also support the High Representative in the difficult discharge of his duties. His work, as well as that of the international community, remains indispensable in the foreseeable future. Our ultimate aim is still to see Bosnia and Herzegovina with an impartial administration and finally able to govern itself and to live within borders respected by its neighbours. The European Union recalls that in Sintra and Bonn, the High Representative was given the task of ensuring observance of the deadlines for the implementation of We have indicated on several occasions, and at the highest level, our determination to contribute by all available means to the consolidation of peace and stability in the region. The European Union is in a position to make a special contribution to the process of stabilization and economic renewal by encouraging the development of relations with all countries of the region in a framework that is conducive to democracy, the rule of law, high standards of human and minority rights and a transition to a market economy. The establishment of an economy based on free trade will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to reduce its dependence on international aid. In the framework of its regional aid, the European Union recalls that the continuation of international assistance is linked to full respect by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the neighbouring States for the Peace Agreement and their obligations under it. Peace is not merely the absence of war. In the interest of future generations, lasting peace must be rebuilt, above all, in people's minds. The desire for national reconciliation in a spirit of justice and respect for law must be made to prevail over the thirst for revenge and narrow sectarianism. Such is the task awaiting all those who are devoting themselves to the delicate and constantly threatened task of restoring peace and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Two years have passed since the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina was signed. During this period the ceasefire has been firmly maintained, due primarily to the presence of the Stabilization Force. The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have to a certain degree resumed their everyday lives, thanks in large part to the assistance provided by the international community. While Japan appreciates these positive factors and developments, we cannot but recognize that progress in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, particularly in its civilian aspects, has not kept pace with the expectations of the international community, or, for that matter, those of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves. The common institutions that are supposed to govern Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single State have been formally We are aware, of course, that a desire for renewed multi-ethnic coexistence and inter-ethnic cooperation has been increasing among the citizens. Regrettably, however, the behaviour of the leaders of the three main ethnic groups and of the two entities has tended to thwart, rather than encourage, that desire. Indeed, Japan is concerned that neither entity has demonstrated through concrete actions sufficient commitment to ethnic reconciliation and the rebuilding of a multi-ethnic society. The Serb leaders show separatist inclinations, remaining uncooperative with regard to the apprehension of war-crime suspects, media reform and several other crucial issues. My delegation calls upon them to provide concrete proof of their commitment to the peace process. The Croat leaders also display separatist tendencies from time to time, as in their non-compliance with the results of the municipal elections in Mostar and Žepcˇe. We call upon them to reaffirm their commitment not only to preserve but to vitalize the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As for the Bosniac leaders, my delegation urges them to cooperate in sharing power under the central authorities with the other ethnic groups in order to facilitate the functioning of common institutions. I should like to emphasize in this regard the importance of the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn on 9 and 10 December. All the parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina must make maximum efforts to fulfil their obligations, as outlined in those conclusions, so as to substantially expedite the peace process. My delegation wishes to stress that primary responsibility for the peace process lies with the parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina themselves. International support depends upon cooperation and actions by the parties on the ground to advance that process. I should like to conclude my remarks by expressing the Government of Japan's deep appreciation to all the countries and international institutions that are engaged in the noble and difficult tasks, both civilian and military, that are required for the implementation of the Peace Agreement. In particular, I wish to pay tribute to the High

My delegation is gratified that progress continues to be made towards consolidating peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. During the past 12 months many important achievements have been made. Armed hostilities have ceased and peace is holding ground. The implementation of the military aspects of the peace accords has been successful in large part because of the strong presence of the multinational forces. This in turn has made possible the implementation of the action plan for the civilian consolidation period agreed to at the London ministerial meeting in December 1996 and in the Sintra Declaration last May. Efforts towards building a unified, multi-ethnic, multicultural and multireligious Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized boundaries have begun to take root, however slowly. Important common State institutions, such as the national Parliament, the joint Presidency and the Council of Ministers have been formed, and the results of the last municipal elections should lead to new ethnic alliances in many municipal assemblies. Despite these achievements, the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile and fraught with difficulties. Obstacles continue to impede the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Mutual mistrust and animosity among the different ethnic groups continue to obstruct efforts towards achieving the ultimate goal of making peace irreversible. The Bosnian entities must realize that there is no viable alternative to the Peace Agreement as the foundation for building lasting peace and prosperity in a multi-ethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, the establishment of common State institutions is fundamental in ensuring a stable and functional Government. Although some of these common institutions have been established, their effective functioning has been impeded by the frequent absence of the Serb members. It is imperative that all the concerned parties honour their commitment to ensure that all joint State institutions are duly constituted and able to function efficiently and effectively and enjoy the support and confidence of the three constituent peoples. No attempts should be made to erode the powers and responsibilities of the State. The attainment of a lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be based on the rule of law and the meting out of full justice. In this regard, the perpetrators of crimes against humanity committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be held accountable for their past actions before the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in The Hague. The victims of genocide and “ethnic cleansing” should not be denied justice. We are, however, concerned that many of the indicted war criminals, including Radovan Karadžic´ and Ratko Mladic´, are still at large and free to carry out their activities with impunity. More disturbing is the fact that Karadžic´ and Mladic continue to exercise political influence in the Serb entity. Their continued freedom constitutes a major hindrance to the creation of a unified Bosnia and Herzegovina. We therefore demand their immediate arrest and trial. The role of the multinational forces is crucial in ensuring their arrest. In this respect, we wish to commend the courageous efforts of the British forces in apprehending an indicted war criminal in the Serb territory last July. Such cooperation between the Stabilization Force and the Tribunal should be continued and further enhanced in the interest of ensuring that justice is done. Thanks to the strong presence of the multinational peacekeeping force, relative peace and security have been maintained over the past two years. Its presence has significantly helped to create a conducive environment for the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton We wish to take this opportunity to commend the role played by the courageous men and women from various nations serving in the Stabilization Force and the United Nations International Police Task Force, and others who have contributed so significantly to the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would also like to offer our sincere condolences to the families of those who have sacrificed their lives for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially to the bereaved families of the 12 dedicated officers who were tragically killed in a helicopter crash last September. Much remains to be done in respect of the reconstruction and economic-recovery programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the international community will no doubt continue to render the necessary assistance, the Bosnians themselves will have to play a major part in undertaking reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes that would generate economic activities, attract foreign investment and create job opportunities. Malaysia will continue to contribute towards the Bosnian reconstruction effort. We contributed $12.1 million in 1996, and a further $12 million has been pledged for 1997 to the reconstruction programme. Among the areas at which we are seriously looking is the development of small- and medium-scale industries. As part of our contribution for 1997, we have set aside a sum of $3 million to establish a credit fund in Sarajevo to be made available to Bosnian small- and medium-scale industries. We hope this will supplement similar schemes that are already in place in Bosnia. At the same time, we are working closely with the Bosnians and other concerned friends of Bosnia on a project aimed at building confidence and promoting reconciliation among the Bosnians at all levels. This proposal, which was first made by the Malaysian Foreign Minister when he addressed the Assembly in September and which he made again at the Ministerial Meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in October, was welcomed by the recent Peace Implementation Conference at Bonn. The proposal involves the organization of a series of workshops or forums with the participation of a number of Bosnian groups and individuals, as well as outside experts and facilitators. These workshops, or forums, are designed to provide the various parties and groups in Bosnia with a forum for dialogue and consultation to enhance awareness of the absolute indispensability of The success of all these activities aimed at establishing a lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is dependent on the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, especially its civilian component. Thus, it is important that the international community continue to manifest its commitment to this objective. However, the main responsibility for carrying out the tasks ahead lies with the Bosnian authorities. Only when the Bosnian parties themselves begin seriously to fulfil their commitment under the Peace Accords, through the effective functioning of their common State institutions, will the peace process become irreversible. At the same time, a durable peace cannot be achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina without the full cooperation of its neighbours. It is therefore important for Bosnia’s neighbours to commit themselves to the full implementation of the relevant provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Although the Czech Republic, as an associated country, endorsed the statement of the European Union presented by the representative of Luxembourg, I would like to make a few additional comments on this point. The reason is that the situation in the former Yugoslavia, specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a long-term priority of Czech foreign policy, reflected in our intensive political, military, material and financial support for all efforts to bring stability to the region. For the same reason, we have decided to join the sponsors of the draft resolution before us. We feel it is well balanced and focused on achieving progress, which in particular is so badly needed in the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Agreement. The Czech Republic supports a united Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the principle of single citizenship. However, it recognizes that Bosnia and Herzegovina now We expected that the forming of a Bosnian Government and the constituent session of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina would activate common Bosnian institutions. However, the actual progress has been inadequate. We think that the major reason is the lack of political will on all sides. The internal development in Republika Srpska is characterized by a growing rift between the supporters of the two competing parties. The parliamentary elections in November, no matter how effectively they demonstrated the prevailing desire for the democratization of the society, did not mark a turning point in the effort to build an independent, united and multi- ethnic State. In this context, I would like to say that I fully agree with those who have spoken before me who appreciated the tremendous performance of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Stabilization Force (SFOR) and other personnel in organizing and supervising the elections. It is beyond all doubt that a consistent implementation of all articles of the Dayton Agreement is crucial to the prospects for a normally functioning, democratic State capable of ensuring the basic social, legal, security and other conditions for everybody. The Czech Republic therefore fully agrees with the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held at Bonn a couple of days ago, which, inter alia, reaffirmed that the international community must continue to work towards the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, in particular of its civilian aspects. While the military aspects of the Dayton Agreement are almost fully in place, much remains to be done for the civilian aspects, despite the recent moderate progress. The urgent problems include the return of refugees, freedom of movement and the efficiency of local police forces. A sine qua non in this context is an early understanding between the leaders of both entities on full implementation of the constitutional provisions which they have endorsed. For this reason, the Czech Republic wholeheartedly supports an extended mandate for the High Representative with a view to effective and expedited implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Agreement. The Peace Implementation Conference was a clear signal that the international community wants to see concrete results and that these results will be reflected in, among other things, the volume of international aid. The economic reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a challenge to the international community. We should bear in mind that international aid should flow to all parts of the country, including the Republika Srpska. The Czech Republic has to date contributed to the international reconstruction efforts in proportion to its own capacities. It has provided development aid totalling $3 million, and additional allocations are planned for 1998. Judging from the current developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one cannot abandon this country in the summer of 1998. We therefore maintain that the presence in the country of multinational armed forces led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) must continue after the mandate of SFOR expires next June. This being the case, the Czech Republic — a country which has contributed troops to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO), the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES), the Implementation Force (IFOR) and SFOR — stands ready to contribute a contingent to the new operation as soon as the appropriate political decision is made by the NATO Council and the mandate for the operation is approved by the United Nations Security Council. To facilitate this, my delegation adds its voice to those of others who appeal to all parties to cooperate with the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, in accordance with Security Council Resolutions 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993 and 1022 (1995) of 22 November 1995. The accused war criminals must appear before the Tribunal in The Hague to answer the charges levelled against them. Their appalling crimes cannot under any circumstances be forgotten or forgiven by the rest of the world. In this context, in July 1995, some 8,000 Bosnian men from Srebrenica were separated from their families by the Bosnian Serb military and subsequently From early in the war, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has hosted refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and deployed peacekeepers to Bosnia: first with the United Nations Protection Force and, presently, with the Stabilization Force and the International Police Task Force. Jordan has always been wholly committed to an independent, unitary and multiethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. My delegation therefore finds recent media speculation over the idea of partition dangerous, highly unethical and, of course, totally unacceptable.

In December 1995, the international community welcomed the conclusion of the Dayton Agreement. It was a victory for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they took an historic and courageous decision for peace by abandoning the course of violence, destruction and war. The inhabitants of the war- ravaged country saw a gleam of light and hope as their leaders showed wisdom in choosing a path of reconciliation, harmony and amity. The journey ahead was fraught with obstacles, considering the deep fissures and cleavages caused to the very fabric of the society by four years of fratricidal war. An enormous amount of determination was required on the part of the leadership and the people of the multiethnic and multicultural society of Bosnia and Herzegovina to overcome these obstacles. During the last two years, while important strides have been taken towards resurrecting the unity and territorial integrity of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there continues to be deep anxiety and concern over the complete and impartial implementation of the Dayton peace agreement. The consequences of genocide and “ethnic cleansing” have yet to be undone. The vision of a united multiethnic and multicultural State of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized boundaries and with fully functional national institutions continues to face significant impediments. The provisions of the Dayton Agreement are central to preserving Bosnia and Herzegovina as a united, sovereign and independent State. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has throughout been forthcoming in fulfilling its obligations without any equivocation. Unfortunately, the My delegation is particularly concerned at the lack of progress in a number of areas, including the return of all refugees and displaced persons, as well as the freedom of movement across the inter-entity boundary lines. The return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes in conditions of security and honour is essential for keeping the peace process on track. This is, indeed, a critical component of the Dayton Agreement and the only way to ensure the full revival of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders. We support the proposal, made by the High Representative in his recent report, that limited international reconstruction funds be made available for offering rewards to the municipalities which support the peace process and to withdraw funds from non-compliant municipalities. This is a move in the right direction. The solemn commitment made at Dayton must be complied with to ensure proper criminal proceedings against the war criminals. If speedy justice is to be ensured, States must help in apprehending the indicted criminals. The international community must ensure the full and timely implementation of all aspects of the arrangements agreed to by the parties. The Bonn Peace Implementation Conference last week rightly pointed out the failure on the part of Republika Srpska and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to cooperate with the International Tribunal in surrendering the indicted war criminals. It is a matter of deep disappointment for Pakistan that the ideal of peace with justice for Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be defeated, especially by delays in the prosecution and punishment of those indicted for crimes against humanity in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia continues to be undermined by a chronic shortage of necessary funds and resources. Voluntary contributions essential for supporting the noble work of this Tribunal have, regrettably, not been forthcoming. Pakistan has consistently provided moral and financial support to the Tribunal. We have so far contributed one million dollars out of the total contribution of $8.6 million received by the Tribunal. We urge all Member States to contribute generously to the There is no doubt that the establishment of a lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on the effective functioning of the common State structure. The joint Bosnian State institutions should be enabled to function for the collective benefit of the Bosnian people. It is unfortunate that the work of the Presidency, the Council of Ministers and the parliamentary assembly continues to be ineffective owing to lack of cooperation from the Serb members. The Serbs also continue to evade their obligations under the Agreement on Regional Stabilization and the Agreement on Subregional Arms Control with the clear purpose of pursing their secessionist policies. These arrangements are vital for ensuring regional stability. All States, particularly the Serbian entity, must ensure completion of declared reduction liabilities and implementation of other related obligations. The presence of the Implementation Force (IFOR) and the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a vital factor in ensuring relative security in the region since the signing of the Peace Agreement. We support their continued presence providing a secure environment for implementation of the civilian aspect of the peace plan. In this regard, we also welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plans to consider options for a multinational follow-on force to SFOR to support the implementation of the civilian aspect beyond June 1998. The revival of Bosnia’s economic and social infrastructure, which was destroyed by years of war, also requires priority attention and the sustained commitment of the international community. We support international efforts to rebuild Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important that disbursement of international economic assistance to various parties be linked to their compliance with the Dayton Accord, and in particular to their commitment to the integrity and the unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pakistan has extended substantial financial, technical and material support to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a token of our political solidarity with our Bosnian brothers. We are implementing a programme for training 200 Bosnian military personnel. In its capacity as Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Assistance Mobilization Group Pakistan has consistently adopted a principled position throughout the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has extended unqualified moral and political support to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our support reflects our conviction that no nation should be victimized because of its smaller size and that no peoples should be brutalized because of their ethnic origin. We also believe that no nation and no people should be denied their inherent right to self-determination and their right to wage a legitimate struggle for their liberation. We would like to take this opportunity to assure our Bosnian brethren of our fullest support in their efforts and endeavours to overcome the formidable problems that face their country and people. We are confident that Bosnia and Herzegovina will have the resilience and strength to overcome these problems. We would also urge the international community to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the realization of the dream of a sovereign, united, multi-ethnic, multicultural State of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at peace with itself and contributing to international peace and prosperity. The draft resolution before the Assembly today embodies the principles which set forth the minimum that must be accomplished by the international community if there is to be a just and lasting peace settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pakistan is a co-sponsor of that draft resolution and earnestly hopes that all Member States will support its adoption without a vote.

Our debate today allows us to review the overall situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton peace accord has presented many opportunities and a number of challenges to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As envisaged by the Dayton peace accord and as a result of actions taken by the international community through the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the onset of peace, however fragile, has allowed positive developments to take place. The task of achieving this has not been easy. We would therefore like to acknowledge the contribution of the international community, particularly NATO, in establishing the productive political climate which currently prevails in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless, Brunei Darussalam joins others in reaffirming its belief that lasting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be achieved only through the full implementation of the Dayton peace accord, and we note that important aspects of the accord have yet to be fully implemented. An understandable concern of the international community is the question of the indicted war criminals. We note that though a number of them have been brought before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague, many of the accused leaders still remain at large. As long as these people are not brought to justice, a lasting peace in the country will be difficult to achieve. They still have substantial influence in resisting efforts to promote further political stability in the country. We strongly support all efforts to bring these people to justice. A further aspect of the overall situation, of course, is the problem of the proper return of refugees and displaced persons. Although a considerable number have returned to Bosnia, many of them are still homeless and have been prevented from returning to their former places of residence. We see this as being a very long and difficult task and its successful resolution as an essential part of any lasting peace in the country. Having thus indicated some of our feelings on the item under consideration, may I say that Brunei Darussalam is glad to be able to contribute towards international efforts. We are of the view that these should be strongly complemented by similar efforts on the part of the people In this regard, we hope that the international community will maintain its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and continue to exert its influence. Important tasks lie ahead of it if we are to see continued progress in the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, and we offer maximum support to the Bosnian people in their efforts to create a climate of confidence in a united Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Let me express my gratitude for this welcome occasion to address the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is of primary concern to Germany and of crucial importance for peace and stability in Europe as a whole. The needless pain and suffering that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their ethnicity, have endured and are still enduring is fresh and vivid in our memory. Let me also affirm that Germany fully supports and subscribes to the intervention that the Permanent Representative of Luxembourg, Ambassador Wolzfeld, has made on behalf of the European Union. Only a few days ago, on 9 and 10 December 1997, Germany hosted and chaired the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference for Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the motto “Self-sustaining structures”, and with the participation not only of the parties and of a very large number of other States, but also of numerous international organizations engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among these, of course, was the Secretariat of the United Nations. The Conference highlighted the degree of concern and determination with which the international community wants to see lasting peace and reconciliation take root. Equally important was the unity with which the international community supported not only that goal, but also the means to be used to reach it. The extensive conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference in Bonn are more detailed and action-oriented than earlier conference results. They map out the concrete steps to be taken by the parties, with the assistance — and sometimes the insistence — of the international community, in the third year after the Peace Agreement. The 10 chapters of this document deal with all relevant aspects of the peace process: human rights, legal reform and war crimes; constitutional and legal matters; refugees and displaced persons; public order In addition, the conclusions put the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina into its regional perspective. They contain provisions addressing the return of refugees of Serb nationality, Eastern Slavonia and Kosovo. We shall be requesting the Secretary-General to issue the Bonn conclusions as a document of the General Assembly and of the Security Council. Let me sum up the thrust of the results of the Bonn Conference in a few words: the Peace Agreement remains the blueprint for peace and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a great effort, the foundations have been laid and the essential structures have been built. The house of a stable and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, can be completed only if all those living in the country — Bosniacs, Croats and Serbs — join in its construction. To this end, the international community will take an even more robust stance. The Conference has broadened the competence of the High Representative to impose decisions if the parties are unable to take them themselves. There will be no lack of international assistance and solidarity. But assistance will be given only to those who actively engage and cooperate, and who are ready for reconciliation and a common future. Those who block and sabotage, who harbour indicted war criminals, who hinder refugees and displaced persons from returning, who incite hatred and strife, cannot expect our help. The immediate neighbours of Bosnia and Herzegovina too must assist in this endeavour. They renewed that commitment in Bonn, and they will be held to their word. That is the message that the international community sent from the Bonn Peace Implementation Conference. I am gratified to see that this message has been picked up and strengthened in the draft resolution that is before the Assembly today. In paragraph 5 of draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, the General Assembly would welcome the conclusions of the Conference and would call upon all parties to implement them fully. I am confident that the entire United Nations community will adopt this message by consensus. I am convinced that this will not fail to make its impression on the parties, and also on the suffering people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hungary fully associates itself with the statement made by The situation that arose in Bosnia and Herzegovina presented the international community with one of its greatest challenges since the great political changes that took place in the world. The crisis in the former Yugoslavia, of which the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the most calamitous element, has become synonymous with the bitter disappointment and trauma that continue to haunt us today. The Dayton peace process has yet to produce all the expected results. Now that the military provisions of the Dayton Agreement are being implemented, it is urgent to address the task of consolidating what has been achieved and of implementing the civilian side of the agreement on a priority basis. We are glad to see that peace is being consolidated in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it also clear that the process has not yet become irreversible. The establishment of a multiethnic and multicultural Bosnia and Herzegovina requires the unconditional implementation of all the provisions of the Dayton Agreement and, in the current circumstances, a continued international military presence. In that context, we welcome the recent Bonn Peace Implementation Conference, which highlighted the remaining tasks, such as ensuring the effective functioning of joint institutions, the strengthening of trust and cooperation among the three peoples that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the importance of the administration of justice and of respect for human rights. It is important to spend a moment on the problem of securing full cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 and with respect to bringing war criminals to justice. We greatly regret that the fulfilment of commitments to that end — commitments based upon the Dayton Agreement — has not been viewed equally by the various ethnic communities as an unambiguous obligation. We must therefore ensure that the Tribunal has the financial resources it needs to carry out its tasks, and that it has access to all the information that is so vital for arriving at objective and balanced positions. It is important also to mention the question of the return of refugees and displaced persons. Respect for minority rights, under international norms, is a part of this “Diversity is richness, not a threat. It should be enjoyed, not despised”. That comment sends a very important message and should guide not only the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina and populations throughout the former Yugoslavia, but the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe, so that there will be no repetition of the tragedies of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of Croatia. The objective of the entire Dayton process, in spite of the efforts of those who would sabotage and undermine it, is to ensure the independence and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in democracy and to preserve the unity and the legal and territorial integrity of that multi-ethnic country. In that context, the reconstruction and economic revival of Bosnia and Herzegovina are a sine qua non for the achievement of the objectives the international community has set itself in this country. In the present conditions, it is obvious that this can be assured only through the continuation of international aid. That said, we share the point of view of those who make a direct link between supplying such assistance and the degree of cooperation with the international community shown by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thus, the consolidation of the results of the last two years depends above all on the attitude of the Bosnian parties themselves. All those who have been following developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina know very well that the international community has made a major political investment in it. We can only reiterate the European Union’s declaration that neither attempts to undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty nor attempts at unilateral domination over the political institutions of that country will be tolerated. Regardless of the views that any side may have regarding the events of the last few years in the former Yugoslav region, and regardless of the attitude of any side towards the methods used by the international community in dealing with this conflict — regardless of all Hungary, a bordering country in the region, is vitally interested in the consolidation of peace and the preservation of stability in the former Yugoslav region, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular. The political, security, economic and psychological impact on the neighbouring countries, including Hungary, of the events that took place on the territory of the former Yugoslavia is well known today. My country has reaffirmed on several occasions that it will remain ready in the future to play a role in the maintenance of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the international civilian police and within the framework of the Stabilization Force, in particular in the efforts for logistical and infrastructural reconstruction of the country. The rebuilding or the building of a number of bridges across the Sava River and the works in progress to rebuild the historic Mostar bridge, which are part of the world’s cultural heritage, are also evidence of a concrete Hungarian contribution to the restoration of the country. The base of the Stabilization Force, which has been in operation for several years now in the south of Hungary, will always be available to advance the process of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hungary became a sponsor of draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, which, in our view, can play a useful role in the consolidation of a peace that is still fragile in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is our hope that this draft resolution will receive the approval of our Assembly.

Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to focus the attention of the international community. The preservation of that country’s integrity, sovereignty and political independence is a continuing responsibility undertaken by the United Nations by virtue of the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The developments which took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina prior to the Dayton Agreement proved once again that the lack of a firm and prompt international response to aggression leads to further aggravation of crises. The Dayton/Paris Agreement therefore constituted a turning point in the unfolding of gruesome events in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1991 and 1995. The Agreement, with both military and civilian components, However, lack of compliance on some crucial civilian aspects of the Agreement indicates that much still remains to be done. As accurately reflected most recently in the Bonn conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference, the volatility of the situation in the region compels us to maintain a stable security environment. The Secretary- General’s report of 8 September 1997 and the report of the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina amply demonstrate that lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet been established. In this respect, I would like to reaffirm Turkey’s full support for the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the annexes thereto, signed on 14 December 1995. They constitute the basis for the achievement of a durable and just peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to heal the wounds of the war and to attain lasting peace, security and stability in this vitally important country of Europe, it is incumbent upon the international community to exert every effort to help Bosnia and Herzegovina in its arduous endeavour for reconciliation and reintegration. Turkey, along with other States, is actively participating in the implementation of both the military and civilian aspects of the Dayton/Paris Agreement. For its part, Turkey is ready to continue to do so. The sponsors of draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, now before the Assembly, would like the General Assembly to reiterate its full commitment to the stabilization and consolidation of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to reconciliation among its constituent peoples. We believe that it is high time for the international community to reiterate its concern about non-compliance by one party or the other on crucial aspects of the Peace Agreements and to demonstrate its willingness to take the necessary measures within its power to obtain full compliance. For this purpose, it is essential that all the conditions envisaged by the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement, including the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes, be materialized without delay. While we welcome the attention given to the protection and promotion of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the establishment of the new common institutions, in accordance with the provisions of the Peace Agreement, we regret the We call upon all parties, including international organizations and member States, to contribute to the creation of conditions required to facilitate their return. We are concerned that out of 2.3 million displaced persons at the end of the hostilities, only 381,000 have returned home. The remaining 1.919 million people are still either refugees or displaced persons. We would also like to stress the importance of the work of the International Tribunal for the process of reconciliation among the constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turkey supports fully the efforts of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991, and believes that States and parties to the Peace Agreement must meet their obligations to cooperate with the Tribunal. It is also the duty of the international community to exert the necessary pressure on the parties which do not live up to their legal obligations of cooperating with the Tribunal. In this context, we would like to draw the attention of the General Assembly to the fourth annual report of the International Tribunal, which in part states, “In other words, Republika Srpska is clearly and blatantly refusing to meet the obligations that it undertook when it signed the Dayton Peace Agreement, by which it solemnly undertook to cooperate with the Tribunal and, in particular, to comply with orders issued pursuant to article 29 of the statute of the Tribunal”. [A/52/375, para. 187] The same report also portrays the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) as a party with an almost equally negative record of cooperation with the Tribunal. It is important to recall that, under the Dayton accord, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) is responsible for the Serbian entity's cooperation and compliance, as well as its own. This crucial aspect was also emphasized in the fourth annual report of the Tribunal. As will be recalled, Security Council resolution 1088 (1996) and the Sintra Political Declaration of the Ministerial Meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council have established that international economic aid is conditional upon compliance with and In this regard, we would like to stress the need for timely information about the level of cooperation and compliance with the Tribunal and its orders, the status of the return of the refugees and displaced persons to and within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the status of implementation of the subregional arms-control agreements, so that necessary assessments can be made. Turkey welcomes the positive steps taken towards a normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, there is ample room for progress in this respect. Therefore, we call upon the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to fulfil immediately the requirement of establishing full and unconditional diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe that such a development will eliminate another hurdle en route to normalization. Turkey also welcomes the successful conclusion of the local elections of 13 and 14 September 1997. We expect full and unequivocal implementation of the election results. Any attempt not to implement them will hamper the delicate process under way since 1995. Economic revitalization is essential for the process of reconciliation, for the improvement of living conditions and for the maintenance of durable peace, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region. However, we are dismayed that even after the opening of the Central Bank in August of this year, issuance of common currency, implementation of common customs-tariff schedules, installation of the administrative capacity of the Council of Ministers and the adoption of the foreign-investment law are not complete. We hope that necessary steps will be taken immediately so that Bosnia and Herzegovina obtains an economic policy framework which would allow it to start taking advantage of an International Monetary Fund standby arrangement and World Bank adjustment lending. Turkey concurs with the conclusions of the London meeting of the Peace Implementation Council in December 1996, the Sintra Declaration of the Ministerial Meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, the special declaration on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference Contact Group and, lastly, the conclusion of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn, in order to strengthen the guiding principles of the civilian The Implementation Force (IFOR), led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), played a crucial role from the time it was deployed until it was reorganized as the Stabilization Force on 12 December 1996, in preserving peace and order and in ensuring progress on the rough road the peace process has been travelling on. It is significant to note that IFOR has brought together 33 NATO and non-NATO countries in an unprecedented coalition for peace, stability and political and economic reconstruction. Although IFOR's mission has been accomplished, an international military presence is still required to provide the stability necessary for consolidating the peace. In this context, Turkey welcomed Security Council resolution 1088 (1996), which authorized the Stabilization Force (SFOR), as a legal successor of IFOR under unified command and control, in order to fulfil the role specified in annex 1-A and annex 2 of the Peace Agreement. Turkey believes that SFOR, as a successor to IFOR, has been indispensable for the maintenance of a stable security environment essential for deterring or, if necessary, halting a resumption of hostilities. We are happy to note that currently 36 NATO and non-NATO countries participate in SFOR. We also welcome the emerging consensus on the need for a military presence to continue beyond June 1998. Turkey, with its contributions to the United Nations International Police Task Force, is mindful of the civilian aspect of the peace process as well. Draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, which is before the General Assembly, reaffirms the international community's support for the independence, sovereignty, legal continuity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders and calls upon those who are obstructing the peace process to fully comply with all the provisions of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and its annexes. We would like to express our appreciation to the High Representative, Carlos Westendorp, and the international organizations for their unremitting efforts to establish lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In conclusion, this is the most appropriate time to show that the international community is strongly committed to supporting and ensuring compliance by all parties with the provisions of the Peace Agreement and that international economic assistance is conditional upon compliance with and the implementation of the Peace Agreement. There is no doubt in our minds that the draft resolution before us will send a strong message in this direction.

Today's discussions on the situation in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina give all of us in the General Assembly the opportunity to express once again our commitments to the promotion and strengthening of peace in that country. Since the signing of the Peace Agreement, the international community has witnessed both positive and negative developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina that have created both hope and anxiety for the people there. One of the positive achievements, which can pave the way for the institutionalization of democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the recent holding of elections throughout the country on 13 and 14 September 1997 for municipal and local governments. The successful holding of the elections has demonstrated that the Bosnian people, with different ethnic and religious tendencies, can peacefully live together and deal with each other through democratic means. The international community expects full implementation of the outcome of the elections by the end of this year. The result of the elections, as was the case in the national elections in September 1996, further showed that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have opted for a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. Therefore, any attempt to violate and undermine the territorial integrity, national unity and independence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders should be opposed categorically. We believe that all possible means to promote and strengthen the reintegration process and to establish viable and effective State institutions should be utilized. Despite a degree of progress in the course of the implementation of certain provisions of the Peace It is a source of grave concern that the refugees and displaced persons wishing to return to their homes still face harassment and obstruction. We believe that further concrete measures should be taken so that the safe return of refugees can be accelerated, and those responsible for acts of intimidation and violence intended to discourage the voluntary return of refugees should be prosecuted. Moreover, every effort should be made to guarantee freedom of movement of people, goods, services and information throughout the country. The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the role of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in bringing justice to the region. Unfortunately, despite repeated calls of the international community and in contravention of the Peace Agreement, war criminals remain free and continue to disrupt the political affairs of the county. It is our firm belief that peace and security in the region can be realized if the States and parties to the Peace Agreement endeavour to faithfully honour their obligations under the Agreement, in particular to cooperate with the Tribunal in the apprehension of indicted criminals. The Islamic countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, have been at the forefront of helping their Bosnian brethren through the provision of humanitarian assistance during the war and through participation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction programme after the signing of the Peace Agreement. The Eighth Islamic Summit Conference, held in Tehran last week, inter alia, reaffirmed the commitment of the member States of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to preserve the legal continuity, unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders and fully supported the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, multi-ethnic and multicultural State of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It called on the Security Council to ensure the compliance by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the orders of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. The Summit urged all countries and multilateral institutions that have pledged resources for the reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina to immediately disburse the funds in order to ensure the In conclusion, we hope the General Assembly can send a unified message to all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina that the international community is determined to support their efforts in the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a civic, multi-ethnic and multicultural State and the reconstruction process of the country.

The Egyptian delegation is pleased to join the sponsors of the draft resolution before the General Assembly under agenda item 47 on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not only because of the many objective provisions stated therein, but also as a reconfirmation that the continued involvement of the General Assembly in this important item reflects the importance accorded by the international community, as represented by this Assembly, to following up on the evolution of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and as a reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting the peace process in that State, whose people have suffered greatly during the last few years. The consensus adoption by the General Assembly today of the draft resolution will undoubtedly reaffirm the role of the General Assembly in pursuing the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the extent of commitment by the parties concerned in carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with that Agreement. The adoption of the draft resolution also highlights the continued role of the United Nations, which started several years ago and which is now reflected in the presence there of the civilian Mission of the international Organization to contribute to the efforts to restore peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the region at large. The implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone a positive development, beginning with the cessation of hostilities and ending with the successful holding of municipal elections throughout the country last September, a matter that is highlighted in the Assembly's draft resolution today. The delegation of Egypt welcomes these developments and hopes for continued support and follow-up by the We also welcome the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn on 9 and 10 December. On the other hand, this clear international interest in following the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina points up several issues, some of which should be stressed, and others of which should be firmly dealt with by the international community in order to guarantee the complete and successful implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Foremost among these issues is, the first, the need for a continued international military presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the expiration of the present mandate of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) next June. Developments have proved that SFOR plays a central role in bolstering the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Bosnia, including the civil aspects of these Agreements. Therefore, we welcome the conclusions of the Peace Implementation Conference held in Bonn which reflected an emerging consensus in that direction. We would like to express our appreciation to the participants in the Stabilization Force for their contribution to the Force's successful performance of its duties. Secondly, there is a pressing need at this stage to urge all the parties to carry out their responsibilities by cooperating fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and by turning over for trial all persons indicted for war crimes. Cooperation with the Tribunal represents a major part of the process of implementation of the Peace Agreement. Events have proved that the failure by the responsible authorities, particularly in the Republika Srpska, to turn over those indicted, and, their being allowed to participate in political activities pose a threat to the peace process. The High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Carlos Westendorp, to whom I would like to express my sincere thanks for his efforts, has reaffirmed in his report that no tangible changes in the positions of the authorities in the Republika Srpska will be possible as long as those indicted for war crimes remain free. We wish to associate ourselves with the High Representative in that opinion. We see turning over those accused of war We urge the international community not to allow extremist elements to hinder the successful and full implementation of the Peace Agreement and to take effective measures to turn in all persons indicted for war crimes at the earliest possible opportunity. Thirdly, I would like to point out something to which we in Egypt accord great importance: the reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the reactivation of common institutions in a manner that would assist the forces of ethnic unity. We, on our part, have upheld all our material commitments, both in the framework of the donor-States conference held in Brussels last July and in the framework of common material assistance provided by the Organization of the Islamic Conference to the people and the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remain ready to respond to any request made by the Bosnian authorities in that regard. In this context, we would like to highlight a point that is stressed by the draft resolution before the Assembly today, namely, that assistance from the international community remains conditional upon the degree of commitment shown by the parties to implementing their commitments in accordance with the Peace Agreement. Moreover, we hope that this will provide an impetus for all parties concerned to cooperate with a view to ensuring a better future for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina within a State that is multi-ethnic and multicultural within a framework of full respect for Bosnia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I have the honour, on behalf of the sponsors of the draft resolution [A/52/L.67/Rev.1], and with the aim of securing consensus on it, to propose the following few oral revisions to the draft. I will read them slowly, at dictation speed, so that all representatives can take them down. The first revision would be to include an additional preambular paragraph, to be placed after the current seventh preambular paragraph, which appears on page 2 of the English text as the second paragraph. The text of this new paragraph would read as follows: “Expressing support for the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in facilitating the return of refugees and displaced persons throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in This would be the first revision, in the form of an addition. Secondly, the subsequent preambular paragraph, which is currently the eighth preambular paragraph, would be slightly modified so that the first few words would read: “Supporting also the efforts ...” This would require the deletion of the current words, “Expressing support for”, which would be replaced by “Supporting also”. Finally, in operative paragraph 8, we suggest the deletion of the following words at the end of the paragraph: “as was confirmed in particular in the joint declaration adopted at Geneva on 14 August 1996”. These words should be deleted, so that operative paragraph 8, as revised, would read, “Recognizes that responsibility for consolidating the peace lies primarily with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina;”. The remainder of current operative paragraph 8 would be deleted. These are the revisions which I have the honour to introduce orally at this stage of consideration of this item, with the expectation that consensus on the draft resolution will be secured.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1. Before giving the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation in explanation of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

The approach of the Russian Federation to the draft resolution before us today, as an active participant in all stages of the Bosnian settlement, is based, first and foremost, on the extent to which its This process must be carried out in strict compliance with the Peace Agreement and other international documents on a Bosnian settlement and must not permit a free, one-sided interpretation of the mandate of international structures, which could lead to a build-up of military might in the arsenal of the peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We note the work of the sponsors to reflect precisely this approach in the draft resolution in document A/52/L.67/Rev.1, as orally revised, by the representative of Slovenia. Unfortunately, however, they were unable to eliminate the biased tone of the draft resolution so that it could fully reflect the complexity and multiplicity of aspects surrounding implementation of the Dayton Agreement. Our delegation cannot agree with, for example, the excessive detail in the draft resolution on provisions regarding the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, while at the same time other serious and pressing problems involved in the settlement are disregarded and not even mentioned, including for example, restoration of the multi-ethnic status of Sarajevo. The correction of such distorted emphasis will promote the advancement of the settlement process, as well as its stability and irreversibility. Despite our continuing reservations, the Russian delegation does not object to the adoption of this draft resolution without a vote, and is ready to support the consensus, because of the constructive attitude displayed by the co-sponsors and their readiness to take our amendments into account.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, as orally revised. I should like to announce that since the introduction of the draft resolution, the following countries have become sponsors of A/52/L.67/Rev.1: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Hungary, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Liechtenstein, Senegal, Singapore and Tunisia. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/52/L.67/Rev.1, as orally revised?

I now call on the representative of Argentina to introduce draft resolution A/52/L.65.

On behalf of the group of Friends of the Secretary-General for Haiti, consisting of Canada, Chile, France, the United States of America, Venezuela and Argentina, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/52/L.65, on the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti. This draft resolution, which we hope will be favourably viewed by all delegations, extends the mandate of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, as requested by Haiti’s President, Mr. René Préval, in his letter to the Secretary-General of 10 November 1997, and by the report of the Secretary-General (A/52/687). The delegations of Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which are sponsoring this draft, propose that the mandate of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti be extended until 31 December 1998, with the same functions that it has had to date: providing technical assistance, promoting of human rights and civic education and monitoring the human rights situation. Three years have passed since Haiti’s return to constitutional order. All the reports we have received refer to tangible progress in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Nevertheless, the progress achieved to date needs to be consolidated. In particular, there is a need to concentrate efforts on the reform of the judiciary, whose operational difficulties are having a negative effect on other areas of Haitian civilian life. Cooperation between the International Civilian Mission and the United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti, created by Security Council resolution 1141 On the basis of President René Préval’s request and the recommendations of the Secretary-General, the countries constituting the group of Friends of the Secretary-General for Haiti call upon the Assembly to give its favourable consideration to this draft resolution, which renews the mandate of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. The definitive consolidation of Haiti’s political institutions will depend upon the firm determination of its people and the wisdom of its political leaders. However, the effort of the international community remains essential in order for that will and wisdom to mature and grow strong. Finally, the sponsors wish to express their gratitude to the Secretary-General and all of the officials of the Organization who have dealt with this delicate matter for their dedication and initiative.

I have the honour to speak in support of draft resolution A/52/L.65, on the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti, on behalf of the members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that are Member States of the United Nations. Last June Haiti became the fourteenth such member of CARICOM. With the termination of the mandate of the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti on 30 November 1997, the process of democracy and reconstruction in Haiti has reached a critical stage. We believe that future progress will largely depend on the Government’s growing capacity to secure a climate of domestic stability, which is essential to accelerate the country’s economic and social development. We recognize the progress made in restoring the mechanisms for the protection of the rights and freedoms of the Haitian people, so long denied. CARICOM is committed to giving its full support to these efforts. CARICOM States therefore welcome the establishment of the United Nations Civilian Police Mission, which will continue to help professionalize the Haitian National Police force and improve its ability to perform its vital function. We wish to express our deep appreciation to the members of the Security Council, to the group of Friends of Haiti and to other concerned delegations for making this outcome possible. However, thanks to the resolve of the Haitian people and the support of the international community, the restoration of the legitimate Government in 1994 afforded Haiti a second chance to consolidate its fragile democracy. CARICOM States demonstrated their commitment to the cause by standing with the multilateral force in support of Haiti at this critical juncture, notwithstanding their meagre security resources. We recognize that economic rehabilitation and reconstruction constitute the major tasks facing the Haitian Government and people and that significant international assistance is indispensable for sustainable development. The draft resolution before us reaffirms the commitment of the international community to continue its assistance to Haiti. CARICOM States share this assessment and pledge their full support to the continuing international effort. We are mindful that the Government faces a formidable challenge and that progress will be uneven. That is why CARICOM States have been insistent in urging the international community to stay the course with Haiti, given the long-term nature of the development task ahead. We know that the agents of instability and strife lurk just around the corner, ready to re-engage at the earliest opportunity. The deterioration of economic and social conditions in the three years following the military coup in 1991 has taken a heavy toll on a country which already had the lowest development indicators in the hemisphere. The legacy of the trade embargoes, the suspension of all but humanitarian aid, the breakdown of economic and social infrastructure, the collapse of industry and the plummeting by some 30 per cent of the gross domestic product — together these present a major challenge to the reconstruction effort. So far, the robust economic recovery envisaged following the return to democratic order and the resumption of external aid has remained elusive. Some CARICOM States believe that a policy to speed up economic growth must be given the highest priority, not only to bolster the democratic process but also to foster the confidence among the Haitian people that at last they will begin to share in the fruits of development which they have been denied for so long. We therefore urge the international community, and especially the multilateral institutions, to redouble their efforts to help Haiti secure its democratic future through sustained development. We applaud the outstanding contribution of the International Civilian Mission. We recognize, however, that since external assistance will be effective only if it builds on Haiti’s self-help efforts, Haiti will therefore need to do its part to create the domestic- policy environment for rapid economic growth and poverty reduction necessary to make broad-based development a reality for all its people.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union on the question of the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union — Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, and the associated country of Cyprus — associate themselves with this statement. Since the re-establishment of constitutional legality in Haiti three years ago, the European Union has actively participated in the international community’s efforts to create the conditions necessary for the strengthening of democracy and for ensuring full respect for human rights in that country. For this reason, the European Union is seriously concerned by the political situation that has prevailed in Haiti for several months, as described by the Secretary- General in his report. We encourage the political parties in Haiti to cooperate in mediation efforts to find a solution to the current paralysis of public authority, which has a deleterious effect on the authority of the State at a particularly delicate stage of Haiti’s development. The European Union considers it imperative that comprehensive and long-term sustained assistance be provided to Haiti by the international community. Continued support, particularly by international financial institutions and other United Nations organs, is necessary in order to realize a durable and solid process that will reinforce political stability in the country. In general, the Union is concerned by the difficult economic and social situation, by the high rate of unemployment, by the increasing cost of living and by the too-slow rhythm at which change is taking place in the country. The European Union reaffirms its determination to continue its support to strengthening the rule of law and the economic and social development of Haiti. Thus, between October 1994 and the end of 1996 the European Community, through the European Commission, contributed ECU 310 million for that purpose. Since then, other funds have been made available, in particular through the National Indicative Programme signed in April 1997, which provides for an additional contribution of ECU 148 million. The Union has also undertaken to increase its efforts to provide aid for the juridical system and for judicial reform. However, the European Union emphasizes that the implementation of the international assistance programmes requires active participation on the part of the authorities and their local partners. The report of the Secretary General notes that even if the population has continued for the most part to enjoy its individual rights and fundamental liberties, the situation regarding respect for human rights remains fragile. In particular, the police forces, which are new and inexperienced, have not yet done all they should to improve their human rights record. The Union is also concerned by the persistence of violence and turmoil in the country. The absence of a strategy and a programme for judicial reform has so far blocked the development of institutions and the real protection of human rights, and In a related field, the Union welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1141 (1997), which established, for the duration of one year, the United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti, whose assignment will be to help the Haitian Government by providing it with support and assistance for the professionalization of the Haitian National Police. The European Union supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General, contained in the draft resolution before us, to prolong the mandate of the United Nations component of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH) until 31 December 1998. The 15 member States of the European Union have also co-sponsored this draft resolution.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item for this meeting. We shall hear the remaining speakers this afternoon, after the General Assembly has considered the reports of the Sixth Committee.