Address by

H.E. Mr. Beriz BELKIC, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the occasion of the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 24 April 2002

Messrs Chairmen,
Mr. Secretary General,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is the great honour and special pleasure for me to address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the cradle of the European democracy, today when the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina is hoisted in front of the Council of Europe and the national anthem is performed.

This is an important day for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for its citizens and peoples. Today you confirmed that we have made an important step on the path we decided to follow: Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is indeed the part of the Europe, both in geographical and historical sense, but it is at the same time the state influenced by the contents of the former totalitarian regime and by the war against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The transition from this state into the state of economically prosperous and democratic society in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents hard and complex process that is presently in the course and that will continue.

This process understood numerous reforms, changes in the way of thinking, system of value, acceptance of our rules and procedures. Simply speaking, all the above mentioned is to be defined as the condition that Bosnia and Herzegovina has to fulfil in the aim of the accession to European and World integrations.

The word “condition” is one among the most frequently mentioned words in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the past several years. It seems it will be continued in the future as well; for how long it depends on us.

Refraining from speaking about conditions, I would like to say a few words about our immediate goals: urgent judicial system reform, strengthening of the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, fight against the organised crime, corruption and terrorism, strengthening the rule of law, protection of human rights, return of displaced persons and refugees, bringing the war criminals to the court of justice represent our priorities. Without approaching to these goals neither is possible to change the difficult economic and social situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, nor the economic reforms can meet the expectations and hopes of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cooperation at the regional level is also our priority.

Today is day when Bosnia and Herzegovina will proceed towards the goals I have mentioned, but in the new and more qualitative ambience. Also, it represents the encouragement and I am positive we shall succeed. The assistance of the international community will be needed as well, but through partnership being demonstrated during the past months. The results are encouraging. The changes of Entities’ Constitutions have been made. The Elections are scheduled.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Members of the Parliamentary Assembly,

Through the realisation of goals representing our priorities, I do believe that we are going to meet the conditions for the future European associations and programmes, and, what is of the essential meaning for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are going to build the society free of tensions and hate among its diversities, the society based on free entrepreneurship, the society based on rule of law and on protection of human rights.

Finally, please allow me to express the gratitude for the assistance and support you have extended to us, hoping that the co-operation will be continued for the mutual satisfaction.

Thank you.