US at UN: International mission in Bosnia is moving to a new phase

Bruce spoke during the Security Council debate following the presentation of the High Representative’s report on the implementation of the peace agreement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The OHR was never intended to be permanent”

Bruce said the United States recognizes Schmidt’s role in completing the current phase of the international mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The OHR was never intended to be permanent,” Bruce said.

“Success for a High Representative means leaving a successor with a far more limited set of responsibilities,” she added.

According to Bruce, Schmidt helped establish “the institutions for a sovereign Bosnia,” while the next High Representative will have a different task.

“The next High Representative’s task will be to transfer responsibility for running and maintaining those institutions to local leaders,” Bruce said.

“One day, there will no longer be a need for such a role,” she added.

Successor needed by end of June

Bruce said the next High Representative must enjoy the trust of all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, most importantly, be committed to the country’s sovereignty.

“A sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina is one in which decisions are made by local leaders, driving pragmatic, locally owned solutions, facilitated by international voices rather than dictated by them,” she said.

Looking ahead to the Peace Implementation Council’s meeting in June, Bruce said the United States would evaluate candidates based on “trust and impartiality.”

“We hope to work with all of you, but we also have our own candidates in mind if need be,” she said.

“It is imperative that a successor be in place by the end of June to ensure stability heading into the fall election campaign,” Bruce added.

Dodik, Constitutional Court and Southern Interconnection

Bruce said the threat of secessionist laws in Republika Srpska has been withdrawn and that the authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Constitutional Court has been recognized.

She also noted that Milorad Dodik has left public office.

“The Southern Interconnection Project offers the prospect of prosperity for all communities if their leaders can work together,” Bruce said.

She added that voters in Bosnia and Herzegovina will go to the polls in October under a new electoral law “to elect new leadership.”

Message to Bosnia’s leaders

Bruce said the United States stands ready to support the new leadership during the transition and to oppose those who threaten stability or the fair conduct of elections.

“This is not a victory or defeat for any party or group in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a recognition of the completion of one phase of the international presence,” she said.

She then addressed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leaders directly.

“Focus on practical cooperation and responsible governance and work with each other to advance prosperity for all your citizens,” Bruce said.

“Do not think of change as a zero-sum game, but as an opportunity to show the world what you can accomplish,” she added.

Bruce also called on international partners to “trust in the wisdom of the principle of self-government” and to support “true sovereignty for all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

At the end of her address, she thanked Schmidt for his “service and dedication to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”