Alkalaj: US to be more active in the selection of a new High Representative and OHR work

Commenting on claims about a possible new phase in the international community’s approach to BiH, including speculation that a future High Representative could have more limited use of the Bonn powers, Alkalaj said the process is still not defined.

He said the selection of a new High Representative is still a fluid process, adding that the continued existence of the OHR is not in question and that discussions on limited or unlimited use of the Bonn powers are ongoing.

Alkalaj noted that the Bonn powers were not used extensively in previous mandates either.

He said that from the mandate of Valentin Inzko to Christian Schmidt, the Bonn powers were not used in large measure, and that this trend is likely to continue until the framework and responsibilities of the future High Representative are more clearly defined.

Speaking about the role of the United States, Alkalaj said Washington will be much more actively involved in issues related to the OHR and political processes in BiH.

He added that the United States previously held the position of deputy in the OHR and that it will now actively participate in the selection of the High Representative.