Newsroom
OSCE congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina on accession to Council of Europe
SARAJEVO 23 January 2002
SARAJEVO, 23 January 2002 - The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dieter Woltmann, has congratulated the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the important step towards accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) taken yesterday, when the CoE Parliamentary assembly voted to recommend the country's membership. The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina would benefit from joining this body by gaining the protection of their rights and interests.
Particular congratulations go to the Bosnia and Herzegovina executive and legislative authorities. The OSCE Mission is delighted about the Parliamentary Assembly's recommendation that recognizes considerable progress achieved by the authorities in developing democracy, human rights and the rule of law towards Council standards. This Mission has worked with the authorities to meet the requirements for CoE membership, for instance in the fields of property law implementation and the adoption of the election law, and has strongly supported the country's accession.
"A first important goal on the road towards further integration into Europe has been reached, and Bosnia and Herzegovina has reason to be proud. But the country has no reason to rest on her laurels. Not all of the conditions originally attached to the Council of Europe membership have been fulfilled", said Mr. Woltmann.
A package of difficult post-accession commitments now needs 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, to establish consensus and to compromise where it is impossible to accommodate the aspirations of all.
In close co-operation with the CoE and other international agencies, the OSCE Mission will continue to critically monitor and objectively analyze the implementation of the remaining objectives. Within its mandate, it stands ready to provide its expertise. It will continue to advise and support the authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a true partner.
Particular congratulations go to the Bosnia and Herzegovina executive and legislative authorities. The OSCE Mission is delighted about the Parliamentary Assembly's recommendation that recognizes considerable progress achieved by the authorities in developing democracy, human rights and the rule of law towards Council standards. This Mission has worked with the authorities to meet the requirements for CoE membership, for instance in the fields of property law implementation and the adoption of the election law, and has strongly supported the country's accession.
"A first important goal on the road towards further integration into Europe has been reached, and Bosnia and Herzegovina has reason to be proud. But the country has no reason to rest on her laurels. Not all of the conditions originally attached to the Council of Europe membership have been fulfilled", said Mr. Woltmann.
A package of difficult post-accession commitments now needs 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, to establish consensus and to compromise where it is impossible to accommodate the aspirations of all.
In close co-operation with the CoE and other international agencies, the OSCE Mission will continue to critically monitor and objectively analyze the implementation of the remaining objectives. Within its mandate, it stands ready to provide its expertise. It will continue to advise and support the authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a true partner.