Newsroom
OSCE congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina to Council of Europe membership
SARAJEVO 25 April 2002
SARAJEVO, 25 April 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina congratulates the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the accession of their country to the Council of Europe as its 44th member state. This is a significant step towards European integration and reflects the considerable progress achieved in developing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is also a clear sign of the will of the country's authorities to move forwards and towards Europe.
The OSCE Mission has worked together with the country's authorities to meet the requirements for membership to the Council of Europe and has strongly supported its accession. The membership will greatly benefit the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the protection of their rights and interests.
Recent amendments to the constitutions of the country's two entities, the Federation and Republika Srpska, were an important step forward, but their implementation will be the true fulfillment of the spirit of the Council. Elections this autumn, the first ones held by Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities, will be a test of the will to conduct elections based on tolerance and common understanding. It is vital for the country's people that upcoming elections concentrate on real issues such as the economy, where ethnicity should not play a role. Acknowledging and implementing the standards and the spirit of the Council of Europe is the key to successful elections.
There is all reason for Bosnia and Herzegovina to celebrate this important goal on the road towards Europe but there is no reason to rest. Now a number of difficult post-accession commitments need to be completed within defined time limits. This requires a strong political will, at all levels of government and among all political parties, to define joint interests rather than perceived divisions.
The OSCE Mission will closely follow the implementation of the forthcoming objectives in close co-operation with the Council of Europe and other international agencies. It is ready to provide its expertise and will continue to advise and support the authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The OSCE Mission has worked together with the country's authorities to meet the requirements for membership to the Council of Europe and has strongly supported its accession. The membership will greatly benefit the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the protection of their rights and interests.
Recent amendments to the constitutions of the country's two entities, the Federation and Republika Srpska, were an important step forward, but their implementation will be the true fulfillment of the spirit of the Council. Elections this autumn, the first ones held by Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities, will be a test of the will to conduct elections based on tolerance and common understanding. It is vital for the country's people that upcoming elections concentrate on real issues such as the economy, where ethnicity should not play a role. Acknowledging and implementing the standards and the spirit of the Council of Europe is the key to successful elections.
There is all reason for Bosnia and Herzegovina to celebrate this important goal on the road towards Europe but there is no reason to rest. Now a number of difficult post-accession commitments need to be completed within defined time limits. This requires a strong political will, at all levels of government and among all political parties, to define joint interests rather than perceived divisions.
The OSCE Mission will closely follow the implementation of the forthcoming objectives in close co-operation with the Council of Europe and other international agencies. It is ready to provide its expertise and will continue to advise and support the authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.