Madam President,
Allow me first of all to express my appreciation for the warm wishes extended to Switzerland and our team, and to assure you, Madam President, of our full support for you and your team during your Presidency of the Council. I welcome the participation in this meeting of the Chairman of the Collegial Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and express Switzerland's condolences following this month's devastating floods. I also welcome the presence of representatives from the European Union, Serbia and Croatia at the meeting.
Switzerland welcomes the unanimous vote in favor of renewing the authorization for operation EUFOR Althea. We thank France for its efforts as penholder. EUFOR Althea remains an essential pillar of stability, preserving security not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also in the region. We are honoured to have facilitated the renewal of the authorisation last year. True to its long-standing commitment, Switzerland will continue to contribute to the mission by deploying military personnel and specialized experts.
We also thank the High Representative for his report and reiterate our support for his Office. The completion of the 5+2 Agenda, which is the condition for the closure of the Office, remains our declared objective. We note with regret the lack of substantial progress in this regard.
Madam President,
Switzerland welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of this month's local elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which demonstrate respect for fundamental freedoms. The participation of all parties underlines the commitment to democratic principles.
However, we remain concerned by the persistent under-representation of women in public and political life, and call for redoubled efforts to increase their presence in political processes.
We call on all political actors to seize this opportunity and electoral momentum to invest in the well-being of the entire population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A common path, based on trust, is essential to forging a united and inclusive society that promotes cooperation, prosperity and security for all.
To this end, it is incumbent on the country's leaders to demonstrate political will and pursue essential reforms. This is a fundamental step towards Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the EU.
However, trends towards hate speech, the distortion of history and the glorification of war crimes worry us, as they undermine trust and are detrimental to all societies. Such rhetoric prevents progress towards a peaceful, multi-ethnic society. Inter-ethnic reconciliation is necessary to create a climate of mutual respect and understanding between different communities. Addressing the atrocities of the past and preventing genocide denial are essential to ensure lasting peace and a stable future.
Switzerland also rejects any secessionist rhetoric or actions, such as those emanating from Republika Srpska in recent months, which undermine the country's unity, constitutional integrity and rule of law.
Madam President,
This is the last mandated meeting on Bosnia and Herzegovina under Switzerland's current mandate on the Council. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate Switzerland's unwavering support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We remain committed to supporting peace, security, prosperity and good governance in the country and the region.
The year 2025 will mark 30 years since the Dayton Accords. Switzerland therefore invites the international community and the actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to seize this opportunity to promote a common and promising vision, in particular for the younger generations who embody the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I thank you.