Ambassadors of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board, excluding Russia’s representative in the international body overseeing Bosnia’s peace process, reiterated their support for High Representative Christian Schmidt and condemned attempts at undermining BiH state institutions.
“In light of recent attempts to undermine his role, the Ambassadors of the PIC Steering Board reiterate their firm support to the authority and mandate of the High Representative as guardian of the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement,” The PIC statement said.
RELATED NEWS
The statement comes in light of statements and actions by leadership in Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, particularly ruling party leader and BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik, who never accepted Schmidt’s authority.
Dodik argued that Bosnia currently does not have a High Representative because his appointment was not agreed on in the UN Security Council.
The Bosnian Serb political leader also initiated a process that would result in the RS unilaterally withdrawing from a number of state institutions and forming its own.
The Ambassadors stressed that the High Representative’s role is vital if BiH is to fulfil the conditions the PIC defined for the Office of the High Representative (OHR) to close – the ‘Agenda 5+2’, which would mean that Bosnia would graduate from international supervision and move closer to EU membership.
“The main responsibility for achieving these objectives lies with the authorities and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call upon all levels of government to assume their responsibilities and fulfil the mandate given to them by voters. Greater political will is needed to make progress against shared goals and to overcome division,” The PIC statement said.
“Destabilizing and divisive rhetoric or acts, including undermining state institutions and reforms which have provided stability, financial benefit and functionality for all of BiH, must stop. This is not in the interest of any BiH citizen or company and diverts attention from much-needed action and reforms on the European path. We reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to the existence of BiH as a single and sovereign state comprising two entities and Brcko District,” it said.
The Ambassadors commended Schmidt for his “commitment to engagement with all parties” and welcomed his focus on the issue of State and Military Property, urging all political actors to “fully cooperate with the OHR in the pursuit of a functional resolution in the interest of BiH and its Entities.”
They also confirmed the importance of EUFOR/Althea in “ensuring a safe and secure environment in BiH, which remains a precondition for a peaceful and stable development to the benefit of all citizens” and welcomed the renewal of its mandate for another 12 months.
“Together with HR Christian Schmidt, we, members of the PIC SB, continue to stand ready to assist and support local actors in their endeavours to ensure a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for all citizens in BiH,” the statement said.
“The Russian Federation does not join this Statement,” it was noted at the end.
Kakvo je tvoje mišljenje o ovome?
Budi prvi koji će ostaviti komentar!