Russian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Kalabukhov once again confirmed that Moscow does not recognize the verdict of the Court of BiH against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.
“What is this verdict about? We must interpret it. What is the difference between Russia, which does not recognize the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt, and Western countries that do? We have the moral right to hold this position. The decision of the Court of BiH is based on a false argument,” Kalabukhov said during his appearance on the program Fjes.
Kalabukhov explained how Christian Schmidt was imposed as the High Representative in BiH during a meeting of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC).
“As an ambassador, I follow Russia’s official position. When the question of Schmidt’s nomination arose, I was ‘removed’ from the discussion,” he said, gesturing. “It was during the COVID period—we were distanced. I was speaking from the embassy, Valentin Inzko from the OHR, and Schmidt from Berlin. We presented our views. When I spoke, they ‘created a technical problem.’ When I finished, Inzko said: ‘Igor, we didn’t hear you, but it doesn’t matter. We have decided here that Schmidt will be the High Representative,’” Kalabukhov recalled.
He further explained that Russia attempted to “legalize” Schmidt’s appointment through a proposal in the UN Security Council, but the draft resolution was rejected.
“We, together with China, proposed a draft resolution granting Schmidt a two-year mandate to accomplish certain tasks and then report to the UN Security Council with a recommendation to close the OHR. Russia and China voted in favor, while Western countries voted against,” Kalabukhov said.
Source: RTRS
