GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 5 DEBATE ON BOSNIA AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 128178

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL PGOV BK
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 5 DEBATE ON BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA


1. The Department requests that USUN draw on the following
points in making its statement during the UN SECURITY COUNCIL
debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for December 5.


2. Begin points:

Thank you, Mr. President:

-- I would like to welcome High Representative Lajcak back to
the COUNCIL today. We thank him for his comprehensive report
and applaud his work as High Representative. I would also
like to reiterate the statement of support for the High
Representative that my delegation made when the COUNCIL last
met in May to discuss the situation in Bosnia. The role of
the High Representative is critical in implementing the
Dayton Accords and ensuring that Bosnia and Herzegovina
completes its transition to a secure and stable sovereign
state. The United States remains firm in its support of the
Peace Implementation Council's (PIC) decision to continue the
High Representative's mandate until the authorities in Bosnia
and Herzegovina fully meet the five objectives and two
conditions specified in February.

Mr. President,

-- The United States welcomes the positive developments that
the High Representative has identified since his last report,
particularly with regard to the PIC-designated objectives.
In particular we commend the work of the High Representative
and his STAFF to facilitate progress on meeting the 5 plus 2
criteria, particularly in mediating a compromise leading to
the adoption of the NATIONAL Justice Sector Reform Strategy.

-- We also share, however, the serious concerns the High
Representative has raised with regard to political
developments, which have impeded further progress on these
objectives. Since the June signing of a Stabilization and
Association Agreement with the EU there has been little
progress on this agenda. Instead, we have seen a sharp rise
in divisive nationalist rhetoric. We have seen state-level
institutions, which are required for the country to make
further progress towards NATO and the EU, attacked and
undermined. And we have witnessed disturbing attempts to
roll back previously successful reforms of the last 13 years,
the very reforms that have led the EU and NATO to open their
doors to Bosnia's eventual membership.

-- We join the High Representative in rejecting rhetoric or
actions that undermine the Dayton Accords, call in to
question the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina
or promote unilateral changes to the constitutional structure
of the country. We emphasize that continued divisive
nationalist rhetoric and behavior will bear directly on the
PIC Steering Board ability to deliver a positive assessment
of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the last and
arguably most important of the PIC conditions that must be
met in order for the Office of the High Representative to
conclude its mandate.

-- We do believe that the November 8 Prud/Odzak agreement is
a welcome develpment that offers an opportunity to break this
destructive cycle and to make progress toward meeting the
outstanding 5 plus 2 criteria, particularly related to state
and defense property. This initiative represents the kind of
constructive approach and spirit of compromise that is
required for Bosnia to continue to move forward. To achieve
true progress, BiH's political leaders will need to translate
the agreement into concrete actions, including finding a
legally viable solution for protecting Brcko District's
status under the terms of the Final Award. We urge all of
Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders to work constructively to
implement the Prud/Odzak agreement in a manner that meets the
outstanding 5 plus 2 criteria and furthers the country's
Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Mr. President,

-- The United States will remain fully committed to
supporting the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina who continue
to strive to stabilize their country, implement reform,
implement the terms of the Dayton Accords, and ultimately
help their country claim its rightful place within the

STATE 00128178 002 OF 002


Euro-Atlantic community. We call on the leaders of Bosnia
and Herzegovina to do the same.

End points.
RICE