Niksic: OHR mandate continues through Schmidt’s successor, local institutions must step up

“It is important that local institutions finally assume their share of responsibility. Unfortunately, in the previous period, we did not do enough regarding the fulfillment of obligations from the ‘5+2’ agenda, which represents a precondition for closing the OHR.

Local political actors still have the obligation to intensify efforts so that we can resolve political challenges independently, responsibly and in the interest of citizens, with the partnership support of the international community and full respect for the Dayton Peace Agreement,” Niksic said in a social media post.

He expressed expectation that Schmidt’s successor would continue supporting the strengthening of institutions, reform processes and the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that the transition would be carried out responsibly and with continuity of institutional support for the country.

“Individuals who present this process as some kind of victory for their policies will soon, we are certain, realize that the state will emerge from this transitional process stronger and more stable. We expect Mr. Schmidt to continue performing his duties and acting in accordance with his mandate until his potential successor assumes the position. We are convinced that Mr. Schmidt will act accordingly,” Niksic stated.