The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Kalabukhov, stated in the new season of ATV’s program “In the Spotlight” that Russia considers the illegitimate High Representative Christian Schmidt to be the main generator of the crisis and problems in BiH.
“The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is very interesting. After 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, one would expect normal and positive circumstances, progress in social and economic development — yet, paradoxically, we are entering this anniversary year with even greater problems and difficulties,” Kalabukhov said.
He emphasized that even three decades after Dayton, BiH remains an object of international politics rather than a sovereign subject capable of shaping its own political will and priorities.
“If there had been agreement within the international community on a regular procedure for appointing such an important figure in implementing the Dayton Agreement, the situation would be far easier today. Russia’s position has always been to encourage compromise, dialogue, and agreements among the parties in BiH — not to impose decisions against the will of domestic leaders and political parties,” Kalabukhov explained.
“Hard to talk about sovereignty when the OHR controls the country”
Kalabukhov said it is very difficult to speak about sovereignty and independence in a country where the Office of the High Representative (OHR) still operates and where international organizations continue to oversee elections.
He also dismissed as false the claims made by the Institute for the Study of War, which alleged that Russia plans to destabilize BiH during its presidency of the UN Security Council.
“We know that these are fabricated theses inserted by certain Western centers, because our position is grounded in international law. We have no intention of creating radicalization or disorder,” he said.
Kalabukhov noted that an increasing number of people in BiH recognize that Schmidt’s actions are harmful and contrary to the country’s needs.
“Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement clearly defines the role of the High Representative. He must act as a mediator, not as someone who imposes or forces decisions that are not in the interest of all. Even those who were legally appointed sometimes acted in that way — but that was their style, not the rule,” the Russian ambassador explained.
“The OHR cannot govern BiH”
Kalabukhov stressed that the OHR cannot draft all laws and govern the country, adding that it is unacceptable in the 21st century for a foreign institution to perform the functions of a sovereign state.
“We now have a situation in BiH where, on one side, there is international law, and on the other, a set of arbitrary rules used to justify interventions. We see clearly that Schmidt’s decisions are illegitimate — and any process based on false arguments is, by definition, false,” Kalabukhov emphasized.
He reiterated that Russia respects the decisions of the President of Republika Srpska, noting that the very fact that he was indicted for signing legitimate decisions proves the absurdity of the current system.
Kalabukhov also pointed out a structural problem in BiH’s electoral framework, stressing that the President of Republika Srpska can be elected by people who do not even live in Srpska, which undermines the entity’s democratic integrity.
Source: Atv
