“…clear from the current political situation that we have not yet achieved a lasting and sustainable political settlement that would ensure a durable prospect for peace:” according to High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, (BiH) Valentin Inzko briefing the UN Security Council today (November 15, 2011. Ambassador Inzko said that Republika Srpska – one of two semi-autonomous entities that make up the country – has continued to engage in legal and political actions and sharp rhetoric challenging State institutions, competences and laws, and his authority under the Dayton peace agreement and the Council’s relevant resolutions. BiH continues to stagnate politically mainly because of politicians’ reluctance to compromise and engage in dialogue, as well as their tendency to abuse the system, even as State institutions face functional and economic pressure that has undermined their efficiency. Efforts to Split BiH Further: “I have long warned about the serious damage this rhetoric is doing and I again use this opportunity to call on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders to contribute to fostering reconciliation, dialogue and co-existence rather than spreading chauvinism, fear and mistrust,” Inzko told the Council. High Representative Mission Not Fulfilled: Inzko pointed to need for his office to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina to fill the legal gaps in the country and maintain stability. “This need will continue until such time as Bosnian and Herzegovina is self-sustainable and firmly and irreversibly on the path towards EU [European Union] and NATO integration.” The Russian representative on the UNSC challenged this view in part claiming that Inzko is both biased and that the OHR has exceeded its mandate. This view was also expressed by Russia during Inzko’s last briefing in May 2011. (See Film Report - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/bosnia-crisisun-security-councilinzko/26780 - More of UN Security Council Debate/Statements linked at diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/bosnia/most_recent/3 Extending EUFOR Peacekeeping Mandate for Year: Mr. Inzko also pointed out that given the negative trends and political instability, it is essential that the European Union Force (EUFOR) remains in place to continue to assist the Office of the High Representative and other international organizations to fulfill their respective mandates.The European peacekeeping force (EUFOR) mandate was extended for 12 months largely as technicality. Risk of New Conflict: Inzko urged the international community not to give up on Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressing that disengagement was likely to lead to renewed disorder. “The international community has achieved tremendous results in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 15 years, [but] it is clear from the current political situation that we have not yet achieved a lasting and sustainable political settlement that would ensure a durable prospect for peace. Our continued commitment to and focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only way to get to achieve what we all want to reach – a Bosnia and Herzegovina that is stable, safe and solving its problems institutionally as it moves towards full Euro-Atlantic integration.” “Dayton Accords” Ended War, but Now Could Become Cause for New Conflict: My most direct view is that what may have ended the war in 1995, right or wrong, the Dayton Accords are the primary factor depriving real peace to take root in the country. It is difficult for Ambassador Inzko to speak out about the legal/functional as well as principled faults now embedded in the Dayton Accords, as his office both derives authority from it and most critically from Washington to Brussels, political leaders and bureaucrats do not want to be bothered and some prefer the status quo for reasons ranging from bias to fear of admitting historical mistakes if changes are made. However, it is also clear that Milorad Dodik and the ultra-nationalist Serbian leadership of Republika Srpska and to degree Belgrade/Serbia are abusing the Dayton Accords to emphasize their agenda and its legitimacy. Without the Dayton Accords, Republika Srpska has no legal status. Bosnia & Herzegovina has its sovereignty and territorial integrity soundly founded in both its independence and admission to the United Nations. The Dayton Accords were intended to be transitional. On the other hand, Republika Srpska’s leadership has sought to misuse the Dayton Accords to stunt BiH’s growth and bring it to its knees, dissolution or both. That is one of the primary factors why I have withdrawn my signature from the Dayton Accords. Perhaps it was necessary to end a brutal conflict and genocide directed at BiH’s citizens in 1995. However, now the Dayton Accords could be the cause for conflict, as neither normalcy nor sustainable peace is necessarily assured after 15 years of Dayton Accords. Peace is another reason that I have withdrawn my signature, and all those from BiH leaders to the international community and states that sponsored and promoted Dayton have an obligation to turn the page to a lasting and sustainable future for BiH. See Film Reports from HARRIMAN INSTITUTE Presentation: “DAYTON VISION versus EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE”: Part 1 - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-part-1/24388 Part 2 - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-2-of-5-parts/24383 Part 3 - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-3-of-5-parts/24381 Part 4 - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-4-of-5-parts/24379 Part 5 - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-5-of-5-parts/24365 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook - Become a Fan at “Bosnia TV” & "Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX Related Reports at “Bosnia Channel” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/bosnia