Supporting Schmidt: Legally Appointed as High Representative in BiH
Bundestag, photo: REUTERS
The German government has communicated its support for the work of High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Christian Schmidt, affirming that his appointment was conducted in accordance with legal protocols.
In early March, in response to a “small inquiry” regarding the role of the High Representative in BiH, the German government stated that Schmidt had lawfully assumed his role, succeeding Valentin Inzko after receiving 2021 out of 54 votes at the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board session in May, as reported by Sarajevo media.
The German government emphasized that the United Nations (UN) Security Council “does not have a constitutive role in this process.” The government of Republika Srpska challenges Schmidt’s legitimacy, arguing that his appointment was not endorsed by the UN Security Council, prevented by Russian opposition.
The response from the German government also highlights that the High Representative “monitors adherence to the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, including the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of BiH.”
“The German Federal Government maintains regular contact with other members of the PIC as well as with the High Representative. The High Representative’s role is delineated by Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the Federal Government endorses his work, which he carries out independently and autonomously,” their response stated.
The German government further noted that the High Representative continues to be a crucial element for the stability of BiH and the wider region, nearly three decades after the signing of the Dayton Agreement.
Moreover, the German government pointed out that the rule of law in BiH “remains one of the core issues” it consistently addresses, particularly through involvement in the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in addition to various bilateral initiatives.
Lastly, they clarified that investigations and judicial proceedings for potential criminal offenses fall solely within the authority of BiH’s judicial system, irrespective of the ethnic or political background of the individuals involved.
News