The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Denis Becirovic, addressed the United Nations (UN) Security Council session in New York, during the debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security – Leadership for Peace.”
Becirovic emphasized that the modern world is facing new geopolitical, geoeconomic, geoenergetic, security, demographic, and other challenges, stating that we are witnessing the most complex period in the history of human civilization, as reported by the Presidency of BiH.
“We are living in the most vulnerable era, where political or other mistakes could lead to a war of catastrophic proportions. The new global challenges of the multipolar reconfiguration of the world demand serious responses. It is our duty to fight for peace,” said Becirovic.
He noted that the citizens of BiH believe peace is the highest value and a fundamental condition for the progress of humanity, as “peace is not just a concept to be understood as the absence of armed conflict. It requires deeper understanding not only at the international but also at the national level.”
“Together, we are building a culture of peace. Without the affirmation and strengthening of a culture of peace, humanity will struggle to survive. The culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, and ways of living based on respect for life, the promotion of all human rights, nonviolence, and respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the political independence of states. Where are we today? Have we learned the fundamental historical lessons after World War II?” he asked.
Becirovic warned of the “danger posed by the recently held so-called All-Serb Assembly in Belgrade.”
“The declaration adopted at this pan-ethnic assembly flagrantly threatens the independence and sovereignty of BiH, as well as other countries in Southeastern Europe. Additionally, the declaration of the so-called All-Serb Assembly contradicts international law and represents an extremely dangerous policy with unforeseeable consequences. The establishment of pan-ethnic assemblies is a threat to peaceful and equal cooperation among UN member states,” Becirovic stressed.
He called on the delegates to “jointly decide that the 21st century will be a century of peace, not a century of new tragedies” and reminded them that BiH survived brutal aggression, genocide, crimes against humanity, and other atrocities during the 1990s.
“Because of this, my country particularly values peace and freedom. Furthermore, BiH actively contributes to the promotion of peace and peaceful relations among nations. Our message is crystal clear: instead of reviving expansionist policies, let us focus on economic development and cooperation. That is our common interest,” concluded the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH.
