Mr. President,

I would like to thank High Representative Inzko for his briefing.

China welcomes the progress made in Bosnia and Herzegovina in such fields as security sector reform, enhancing the rule of law and economic recovery. We hope that all ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina will proceed on the basis of the long-term interests of the country in a spirit of mutual understanding and compromise; effectively implement the Dayton Peace Agreement; settle their differences through dialogue and negotiations; and increase mutual political trust to enhance national reconciliation. China looks forward to the formation of a new, broad-based Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina at an early date so as to ensure further progress in various aspects of national reconstruction.

China respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the choice of all peoples of the country on the road to development. The future and destiny of Bosnia and Herzegovina lie in the hands of all of its peoples, whose right to self-determination should be duly respected.

China supports the international community’s constructive role in resolving the question of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, the issues there are very complex and sensitive, involving not only Bosnia and Herzegovina itself, but also long-term peace and stability in the entire Balkan region. We hope that all parties concerned will settle their issues appropriately through dialogue and negotiations in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, avoid any escalation of tensions, and adopt effective measures to consolidate the achievements in the country’s political process.

Together with the international community, China will continue to support and assist in efforts to achieve sustainable peace, stability and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thank you, Mr. President.