MACINTOSH: RESPECT POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE OF BiH

NEW YORK, OCTOBER 30 /SRNA/ – British Ambassador to the United Nations Sarah MacIntosh called for respect for the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH in her address to the UN Security Council.

During the second semi-annual debate on BiH, she expressed regret over the accident in which at least three people were killed yesterday when a EUFOR helicopter crashed near Brčko.

MacIntosh welcomed the peaceful conduct of elections in BiH, highlighting the transparency demonstrated throughout the electoral process.

She pointed to the major challenges BiH keeps facing, noting that these were also outlined in the report submitted to the Security Council by the OHR.

According to her, the elections in BiH and Serbia provide an opportunity to rebuild relations in the region and restore respect for the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

She stressed that London believes the OHR continues to play an important role in BiH, adding that the United Kingdom supports the work of the Acting High Representative.

MacIntosh stated that an important task lies ahead for the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council /PIC/: appointing a new High Representative in BiH. She expressed hope that the appointment would take place soon.

She emphasised that London respects the Dayton Peace Agreement as well as the Euro-Atlantic perspective of BiH. /