UK envoy Karen Pierce: Fully empowered High Representative remains vital for BiH

She said Schmidt had carried out “tireless work” in support of peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The role of a fully empowered High Representative, established by the Dayton Peace Agreement, remains vital for a safe and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina, where all its citizens have equal rights and access to services,” Pierce said.

She added that the UK remains committed to supporting the work of the Office of the High Representative and will cooperate with partners in the Peace Implementation Council to appoint a suitable successor.

“As required by the Dayton Peace Agreement, we expect all political leaders to cooperate with the High Representative,” Pierce said.

Schmidt’s decision opens a new phase of consultations among international partners over the future leadership of the OHR, an institution created under the Dayton Peace Agreement to oversee civilian implementation of the peace settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.