The High Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, has said that BiH will not become centralised on its EU journey and that Croatia has an important role in that process.

Asked on BN Television about fears of BiH becoming unitary, Schmidt said it would not happen during his term.

“That concern among citizens is not justified and that will not happen. I have understanding for regional specificities and they must be respected,” he said, adding that he was from Bavaria where those rights were emphasised.

“As a Bavarian, I know very well that in a federal state rights can be given and guaranteed to federal provinces, as is the case in Germany or in the BiH entities.”

Schmidt said it was important that BiH continued with reforms.

“Croatia, Serbia and Turkey play a very important role in all those processes,” he said, adding that, under the Dayton peace agreement, the EU and the international community also had an important role.

“BiH's road leads from Dayton to Brussels. If those three countries support that, I'll be satisfied.”

Schmidt said he had broad Bonn powers, including the option to sack politicians or impose laws and decisions. He dismissed the possibility of sacking politicians over corruption.