The Ambassadors of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board (SB) reiterated their “firm and consistent support” for the role of the international administrator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, High Representative Christian Schmidt, In light of “recent threats, including threats of violence” against him.

“Attempts to undermine the High Representative fuel divisions in society and divert attention from critical reforms that BiH needs”, the Ambassadors of the body overseeing BiH’s peace stressed, urging stakeholders throughout the country to “focus their energy on tackling BiH’s most pressing challenges: economic development, the fight against corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and advancing BiH on its Euro-Atlantic path.”

“The PIC SBA commends High Representative Christian Schmidt for his commitment to engage with all stakeholders in BiH to achieve the stable and lasting solutions required to address the outstanding elements of the 5+2 Agenda and bring international supervision to a successful conclusion. The PIC SBA stands ready to assist and support domestic stakeholders in their efforts to ensure a prosperous future for all citizens in BiH”, the statement concluded.

The 5+2 Agenda is a set of conditions that must be met in order to for the Office of the High Representative in BiH to be closed.