Address by Chairman Zvizdić to Deputies of Parliamentarian Assembly of Council of Europe

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Dr Denis Zvizdić addressed today to deputies of the Council of Europe Parliamentarian Assembly in Strasbourg and responded to their questions. The Adders by Chairman Zvizdić is below: 

Honourable Ms President, Mr Secretary-General, Honourable Parliamentarians, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Right at the beginning I wish, on behalf of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my own, to express my huge pleasure for being given an honour to address you in my capacity of Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the stare which is for the first time chairing the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which represents for us in Bosnia and Herzegovina an opportunity for political promotion of our social values based on the respect of human dignity and protection of human rights, as it is equally for  promotion of our economic, cultural and touristic potentials. In the same way, one of important priorities of our chairmanship is our intention to present ourselves to the general public of European peoples as a credible partner and a constructive factor in European and international relations.

 

I am absolutely certain that a very rich experience aggregated through numerous political, economic and social challenges, which Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced over the last 25 years, may have relevance for solution-finding fora series of topical issues faced by the  world nowadays.

 

Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is a chance to emphasise the great progress the region of the South-East Europe has realised over the past two decades - I wish to point it out in particular - during which time it remained committed to continued and consistent efforts in reaching European standards and values. It resulted in accession by Slovenia and Croatia to the European Union, and also in permanent devotion of other states of the South-East Europe to become a part of great and prosperious family of European states.

 

As you are aware, the road of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards European integrations has been at times burdened by various problems, even longer stalemates, but the European determination has never been brought into question. Rightly this fact and a sense with the majority of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that they belong to Europe de facto and that the European way has no alternative I wish to especially underline, as it shows our a clear determination and readiness to meet all requirements on a very complex and demanding path of European integrations ahead of us.

 

Merely for this reason, the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe we assumed, aware that it will be an additional incentive for the further and accelerated European integrations process.

 

Aware of the wide range of your competences, topicality and seriousness of topics at your agendas, numerous instruments at your disposal in the process of implementation of basic conventions and other acts, I dare say that our expectations as regards the importance of chairmanship and received support for Bosnia and Herzegovina have been justified in full, because we became a part of the most important European and international flows and processes, but this time, in contrast to some other, past, times, in the capacity of the subject and credible partner, even the initiator of positive processes on the regional and international cooperation plan.

 

With all the problems we face, I wish to inform you that good atmosphere marked by the positive political will dominates Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the last general elections, which added value to incentives to European and affirmative economic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so it is with a great pleasure to say the stalemates  on the European way we witnessed in the last several years, we prevailed, considerably giving dynamics to the European integrations processes, with an ultimate goal to reach the current status enjoyed by the countries of the region.

 

I will mention in brief some relevant developments and indicators speaking in support of the existence of positive political will and readiness for working on internal agreement and accelerated adoption of a series of strategies and laws, which advanced the European way and strengthened economic and legal-regulation framework.

Ø  As the first positive tip, I wish to note the German-British initiative that followed the general elections in 2014, defining a new approach for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and h enabling launching numerous political, economic and social reforms aimed at reaching standards of management and sustainable development of EU member countries.

 

Ø  In early 2015, the Presidency of BIH and Parliamentarian Assembly of BH, as well as leaders of all political parties in BIH adopted and signed a Declaration on European commitment and necessary reforms in BIH on the road towards he European Union, to which all institutions, according to their constitutional competences, committed to include these reforms into their work programmes, as necessary for the progress of BIH in the EU accession process.

 

Ø  In June 2015, seven years after the signing, the Stabilisation and Accession Agreement took effect, under which a close EU-BIH partnership was established.

 

Ø  The Economic Reform Declaration for 2015-2017 was adopted in June same year, which defined numerous measures in the area of public finances, business climate, labour market, welfare system reform, rule of law and public administration reform.

 

Ø  Adopted were numerous strategies and action plans, like Anti-Corruption Strategy, Anti-Terrorist and Anti-Organised Crime Strategy, Legal Sector Strategy, Strategy for Fight against Violence against Women and Children and against Domestic Violence, as well as a number of laws, along with, which I would especially note, the adoption of the new Labour Law  harmonised with the European directives.

 

The credible implementation of the above items and a number of other documents and measures has already begun to yield results, so that all vital BIH economic parameters show a slight rise, as proved below:

Ø  The number of employees continues to grow and is high or 1.8%, relative to the same period last year;

 

Ø  The physical volume of industrial output is increased for 2% relative to the same period last year;

 

Ø  Gross domestic product (GDP) realised form the indirect taxes is higher for 4.2 % in relation to the same period last year;

 

Ø  Export increased in comparison to the same period last year for 4.4 %, while coverage of import by export  improved for 2.58% and trade deficit decreased for 5.54% in relation to the same period last year;

 

Ø  The first six months of 2015 saw the increased number of tourists for 25.7% and the number of overnight stays for 27.2% in comparison with the same period last year;

 

Ø  A multiple increase of meat export was reported, and the same is expected following successfully fulfilled requirements for milk and dairy products export to the EU. Simultaneously, a constant increase of production and export was reported for the furniture industry, as well as for metal industry, which only speaks of an increased quality level and competitiveness of our products that are becoming recognisable in the regional and even European markets.

 

However, despite such positive trends, we are still faced with issues originating in a very complex political establishment and complicated and lengthy of consensus reaching procedures on numerous issues vital for realisation of our key priorities, such as: further road to the European integrations, economic development and rule of law. Ahead of us lie numerous obligations needed to realise in a very condensed time scope, but I want to assure you in our full commitment and reform implementation and readiness to surmount impediments on our way in this demanding task.

 

So, I would like to reiterate clearly that the European integrations, economic growth and employment, rule of law and fight against corruption and all forms of extremism have no alternative, that they are and will continue to be the key guidelines of the Council of Ministers activities and of all BIH Institutions efforts in this incumbency period.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen Parliamentarians,

 

Allow me, as a representative of a state which experienced in its immediate past expulsions, killing and destruction, share with you my thoughts on the current development in Europe, with my hope that I will add to you debate on migrant topic and maybe open a new prospects on issues of migrants and refugees, who, running away from barbarism are trying to find a safe shelter.

 

Four year ago we witnessed mass popular up-risings that have completely shaken the Arab world. Those up-risings, colloquially termed as “Arabic spring” , as an allusion to popular democratic up-risings of 1989 in the former Warsaw Pact countries, were the indication of freedom , democracy, solidarity and respect for human rights in general. But, the developments took the turn other that the expected one and toady, instead of peace and prosperity, territories of Syria and Libya are the places of devastating clashes.

 

At the same time, instability and permanent violence became a fertile soil for growing and development of radicalism and terrorism which are in a full conflict against the contemporary civilisation and moral values, and which resort to killing of civilians, the worst of it innocent children, devastation whole cities and cultural-historic monuments, thereby creating the ambience of hopelessness and futureless society. Therefore, I think that we should by no way be surprised by the latest refugee waves and their wish to flee the violence and terror in their respective societies as far as they can get.

 

Especially, we should not be taken by surprised by their clear intention to have their temporary or permanent residence in the territory of the European Union, rightly because of values on which it was founded and on which the EU is founded, and these are the respect for human rights, including minority rights. These values are common to all countries of the European society, featured by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justness, solidarity and equality.

 

Nevertheless, an impression is gained that the arrival of refugees caused chaos and disturbance without precedent in the history of the European Union. Rising of high metal fences and closing of railway lines and motorways were unexpected responses of some European Union countries, which share the same values that inspired for centuries the whole progressive world.

 

Has any of you who have devoted all your working lives to struggle for the European values, and I know that you are many among those present in this hall, believed, even for a moment, that the arrival of a hundred or several hundred thousand refugees would threaten our way of life? We all know that it cannot happen, and that it is rather about an irrational and unjustified fear. But, such fear, accompanied by lack of solidarity and selfishness, might, in turn, threaten our unity and stability.

 

The issue may be solved without creative efforts, corresponding the size of the problem. For that reason, whatever further activities are taken; we have to take them timely and uniformly.

 

I have to note my pride of timely reaction of the Council of Europe, based on the spirit of the European values. I highly appreciate the letter the Secretary-General sent to the heads of all member states, reminding them of their obligation of the treatment of all persons arriving to Europe, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. I see this as very important. National authorities are due to carefully monitor behaviour of their respective police forces towards refugees, in order to ensure a strict adherence to obligations stemming from the European Convention on Human Rights. I would especially note the introductory remarks of the letter, which point at solidarity as a basic European value now put on test, and which represents a key to solution-finding of this crisis.

 

It is necessary to remind that President of the European Commission Mr Jean-Claude Junker, during his regular annual report “State of Nation”, proposed a plan for “swift, decisive and comprehensive” solution to the European refugee crisis, which includes mandatory quotas of refugee admission into each EU member country. I believe that the Council of Europe should consider seriously a possibility for this plan to extend to all 47 member countries of our organisation. It would be a good gesture of badly needed understanding and solidarity. In case of such decision, Bosnia and Herzegovina would be ready to undertake a part of its responsibilities and obligations, in accordance with its capacities. It may not be much, but I an deeply convinced into the symbolic and importance of such message dispatched from a country aspiring to become e member of the European Union.

 

I do not know when the crisis will end, but it is completely clear to me that the up-coming cold weather will become the worst adversary. Any improvisation, when in question refugee accommodation will not be possible any longer. Therefore, I do appeal to all member countries to demonstrate their good will and support those countries which are particularly affected by the refugee crisis, so as to ensure necessary preconditions for mitigation and prevention of humanitarian catastrophe much ahead of cold winter days. We have to take additional efforts to avoid dealing with consequences of our inefficient action.

 

My country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has not been affected by the refugee crisis yet. Despite of than, we analyse carefully the developments and are ready to act in accordance with the adopted action plan in case of increased migrant, i.e. refugee inflow. Our major focus is on the two pillars: the humanitarian aspect, which presumes securing adequate accommodation, food, medical care, clothing and provision for basic hygienic needs; while the other pillar is includes security measures. It implies timely and orderly refugee registration, with detailed evaluation for identification of those individuals who might represent a terrorist or any other security threat to the state, region and Europe in a whole.

 

I wat to be precise when I speak of position of my country – we are ready to help, as we consider it our moral obligation, but, if the EU closes its border and refugees found themselves stuck in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our logistic and financial capacities to provide for them are limited, because, let’s not forget, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still to deal with thousands of internally displaced persons form the war in the 1990s. On the other side, if EU border remain open, Bosnia and Herzegovina will not have problems to secure smooth and regular transit for refugees, which would presume organising adequate centres through which transport would be arranged to the intended destinations for refugees. I do not expect a large number of asylum applications in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it is already obvious hat our country. As well as countries of the region, are viewed by refugees only as a transit point, nut a final destination.

 

Organised efforts and mutual solidarity may help these problems to be solved successfully, but for a final solution, I think we have to turn to the root of the problem, and that root is in the countries of origin of refugees. I know that the realistic possibilities of the Council of Europe are limited, but having regard of hundreds of conventions, expert bodies and monitoring mechanisms, I think that we can considerably contribute to peace and stability in our neighbourhood.

 

I would like to use this opportunity to thank to the CEB steering bodies, which provided emergency funds and grant for country members affected by the refugee crisis. In case of Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a part of the refugee route, it is very possible that we ask for these funds.

 

There is an issue to which I would like to bring to your attention; it is the issue of human trafficking as a very serious problem faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina. As of lately, we managed to make a considerable progress dealing with the issue, but in the light of the refugee crisis which hit the Western Balkans, we are anxious about the difficulties we managed to curb down might resurface. Abuse of misfortunate refugees on the part of human traffickers is one of the worst kind of crimes and it should not pass unsanctioned. We have to take continuous efforts to find the most effective solution for mitigation, if not extermination of this phenomenon.

 

In any case, I believe that this issue will soon be one of the main topics at the Committee of Ministers, PACE and Congress. In the light of newly created circumstances, it seems very likely that amendments of the existing conventions, recommendations and decision would be needed in foreseeable time. I hope that the relevant experts and competent bodies of het Council of Europe will act timely to prevention of eventual escalation of this problem. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a country especially interested for this issue, will continue to monitor te situation in its on grounds, and within the Council of Europe. I hole tha the other state, especially those sharing our concerns, will act similarly.

 

One more important issue which burdens our society is terrorism. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports and endorses the Council of Europe Action Plan for fight against radicalism and terrorism, as well as the Additional Protocol to the Convention of the Council of Europe on prevention of terrorism, which pertains to foreign mercenaries. The Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina informed you that through the BIH chairmanship of the Council of Europe and after intensive consultations with other members, we managed to reach consensus and set the date for signing of the protocol.

 

It will be done at the ceremony in Riga, Latvia, at an event, scheduled for October 22, 2015. I avail myself of the opportunity to call all countries to attend the event and sign this very important document.

 

In parallel with using of the existing legal instruments, the Council of Europe should especially intensify its quite effective base in terms of fight against hatred, intolerance and radicalisation. Our main message is that only a society based on equality, acceptance of diversity and respect of human rights may be prosperous and healthy society.

 

The establishment of an alliance of parliamentarians against the speech of hatred and in view of your recent debate on discrimination, racialisation, terrorism cybercrime in Europe, along with the refugee crisis, demonstrate your political wisdom and sense for timely action. Such activities impress us all and appreciation for this is due to you.

 

At the end, I would also like to commend PACE decision to establish a partnership for democracy in our neighbourhood. It is an important factor towards further consolidation of young democratic societies and a decisive element in fostering coordination in action on issues of the common interest and finding a model for overcoming the shared problems.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Thank you for your time and patience.

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