Bosnia and Herzegovina Urges Immediate Ceasefire, Accountability, and a Two-State Solution at UN Conference on Palestine
United Nations, New York, 30 July 2025
At the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, Ambassador Dr. Zlatko Lagumdžija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, delivered a firm and principled statement calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, accountability for all violations of international law, and urgent steps toward the implementation of a two-State solution.
Opening his address, Ambassador Lagumdžija thanked the co-chairs — France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — for convening the critical conference and expressed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s alignment with the statement delivered earlier by the European Union, consistent with the country’s obligations under the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.
He recalled Bosnia and Herzegovina’s long-standing diplomatic ties with the State of Palestine, which were established in May 1992, and emphasized the continuity of support rooted in the country’s own post-conflict experience. “The State of Palestine opened its Embassy in Sarajevo more than 20 years ago,” he said, highlighting bilateral cooperation and shared aspirations for peace.
In a heartfelt appeal to end the suffering, Ambassador Lagumdžija stressed: “The ceasefire as a first step must be established immediately, unconditionally, and permanently. Civilian casualties, by means of shelling or starvation, must stop.” He underscored that accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and terrorist acts is not optional. “Impunity must not be allowed,” he declared, emphasizing that justice and accountability are prerequisites for sustainable peace.
Drawing from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s own war-torn past, the Ambassador recalled the lifeline provided by United Nations humanitarian aid during the 1990s and expressed deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He called on Israel to allow the urgent and unrestricted delivery of medical aid, food, and other essential supplies to all civilians in Gaza. “There is no justification for this, none whatsoever,” he said, praising the indispensable role of UNRWA and other UN agencies on the ground.
Ambassador Lagumdžija urged the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages — on both sides — particularly civilians, women, and children, as a pathway to permanently ending hostilities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position, he emphasized, is principled and grounded in the country’s strategic documents. “Only long-lasting solution is the one with two States — with the State of Palestine and the State of Israel — full members of the United Nations, living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition,” he said.
Referencing the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement that ended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s war, he offered a poignant reflection: “Peace is not everything, but without peace nothing is possible.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Lagumdžija thanked the 19 co-chairs of the conference for advancing the comprehensive and action-oriented New York Declaration, which he described as an “initial road map” for achieving shared goals. “It is high time to move us from wise words to concrete deeds — on a pathway from war and crimes to sustainable peace and dignity for all,” he stated.
Ambassador’s Lagumdzija statement – ENG 30.7.2025.ZL.Statement.UN.HLIConference.TwoStateSolution
Video of the Statement – My Movie-360p30 LowRes
