The Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (OHR) has officially confirmed that Christian Schmidt is leaving his position.
It is stated that Schmidt made a personal decision to leave the position of High Representative after nearly a five-year mandate, which, they claim, was “based on Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.”
Schmidt was not recognized as the High Representative of BiH in Republika Srpska because his appointment to that position was not confirmed by the UN Security Council, as provided for by the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The OHR says that Schmidt informed the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) of his decision to leave BiH, requesting, as they say, that the process of appointing his successor be initiated.
The OHR stated that he will continue to perform the duties of the High Representative throughout the entire selection process for the new head of this institution.
While Republika Srpska warned throughout that Schmidt was in the position illegitimately, in a review of his mandate, the German diplomat says that it was the longest mandate in the history of the OHR, during which, as he claims, “significant progress was achieved in improving the functionality of BiH institutions, but he clearly stated that much more needs to be done for the country to achieve its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”
“Although Schmidt expressed hope that his departure would coincide with the successful implementation of the ‘5+2’ program and the final closure of the OHR, it was noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has still not implemented key reforms,” the statement said, adding that “precisely because of this, the work of the OHR remains of essential importance for the country.”
FIND OUT MORE
The OHR also says that none of Schmidt’s decisions “were overturned by any court decision,” and Schmidt says that “a united international community remains irreplaceable for the stability of BiH.”
Furthermore, it is claimed that the period of his mandate was marked by the development of domestic judicial institutions, whereby the courts, according to Schmidt, “acted decisively in protecting the constitutional and legal order.”
Schmidt, the statement adds, also sent a direct appeal to citizens and political leaders from both entities and from all levels of government:
“It is necessary to further intensify efforts and work together with my successor on implementing reforms and achieving key progress on the path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.”
The economic and political stability of BiH, Schmidt says, as well as the entire Western Balkans, is of key importance for overall European security and prosperity, which is why the role of the OHR remains important. In the years to come, Schmidt believes, additional efforts are needed to implement all decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of BiH.
Finally, the outgoing Schmidt expressed sincere gratitude to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that throughout his entire mandate he enjoyed their exceptional hospitality, warmth, and support, the OHR announced.
MORE TOPICS:
SERBIAN CHEF SHONE ON THE BIG STAGE: Miloš won a silver medal at an international competition!
Source: Euronews; Photo: EPA-EFE / Felipe Trueba