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Since our meeting in Berlin, considerable progress has been made in implementing peace in Bosnia. The orderly holding of the general political elections and, more recently, the setting up of new common institutions, are among the most positive developments.
IFOR has been the pillar that had made all this possible. I wish to extend to the NATO commanders who have led IFOR, and in particular to SACEUR, Gen. Joulwan, Italy's deepest appreciation for their activity. As IFOR's mandate is coming to an end, I wish to pay the highest tribute to the commitment and efficiency of the men and women who have taken part in the force, be they from our own countries or from our Partners or other associated countries who have contributed to the success of the mission. I would add that the IFOR operation has been very valuable also politically; inter alia it has brought about a constructive collaboration with Russia that Italy would like to see continued and built upon.
Mr. Secretary General,
Following the meeting in Paris of the Ministerial Steering Board and the recent London Conference of the Peace Implementation Council, it has become clear that during the two-year consolidation phase which is about to begin, the international community must pursue its efforts, focusing on the civil reconstruction of the country, applying the necessary conditionality. To this end Italy is prepared to continue to contribute to the civilian and security efforts aimed at fostering the full implementation of the peace agreement. We expect the High Representative, Carl Bildt, whose excellent work has been fully appreciated, may be entrusted with wider, specific responsibilities in the interest of us all.
From the political standpoint, the full implementation of the Florence Arms Control and Reduction Agreement signed on June 14, 1996, is of the utmost importance. In the most recent months, progress has been made thanks to the relentless efforts of the personal representative of the OSCE's Chairman, Ambassador Eide, a former Chairman of NATO's Military Committee. But we must now identify the specific objectives to be achieved at sub-regional level before tackling the wider regional issues.
As regards the Stabilisation Force, Italy will participate in its establishment, stressing however that there must be a precise and clear limit to its duration.
The envisaged NATO assessments of the progress of the SFOR Operation - in Spring and Autumn 1997 - will enable us to have a clear and updated picture of the situation, on which to base our future decisions.
I am aware that there is some debate on how much support SFOR will give to the civilian implementation of the peace process. Our expectation is that the Stabilisation Force, within the limits of its capabilities and responsibilities, should support action in the civilian sector, in particular OSCE work on municipal elections.
Mr. Secretary General,
I appreciate and fully support your pointing to the need for a regional approach, as a means to consolidate peace and stability in Bosnia in the long term. Italy's policy toward Bosnia-Herzegovina and the other republics of Former Yugoslavia reflects that type of approach inasmuch as it stems from feelings of deep, longstanding solidarity toward all the peoples of the region. We want them to return to normality and to peaceful reciprocal relations. We want to see the human, economic and cultural resources of Bosnia-Herzegovina directed towards achieving the well-being of all ethnic groups. We also want to see the peoples of that region gradually moving closer to the European family and, once peace is firmly consolidated, to see them moving closer to the Alliance itself.