The UN Security Council held its regular six-month debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a broad range of member states emphasizing the importance of dialogue, constitutional order, and the full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Russia: Schmidt is the source of lawlessness
Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, presiding over the session, stated that Christian Schmidt is the cause of legal disorder in BiH, stressing that Moscow does not recognize him as the High Representative because his appointment was never approved by the Security Council.
“He has no mandate from this body,” Nebenzya said, underscoring that Russia supports dialogue within BiH and opposes any external interference.
United States: Republika Srpska took positive steps
U.S. representative Dorothy Shea commended Republika Srpska’s leadership for what she called “positive steps” taken by the National Assembly on October 18, adding that this was the reason for the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
“The National Assembly of Republika Srpska acted responsibly, and we welcome those actions,” Shea noted.
China: Problems must be solved through internal dialogue
China’s envoy Geng Shuang said that all BiH issues must be resolved through internal dialogue, noting that Schmidt has only worsened the situation.
“The trial of President Milorad Dodik before the Court of BiH has deepened ethnic divisions and tensions. China is concerned about the latest developments,” he stated.
He added that heightened tensions benefit no one.
European Union: Republika Srpska decisions contributed to de-escalation
EU representative Stavros Lambrinidis said that the October 18 session of the RS National Assembly contributed to political de-escalation, while urging the authorities in Srpska to “move away from initiatives contrary to the constitutional order and the European path of BiH.”
Lambrinidis emphasized that the EU expects early presidential elections in RS to be conducted under BiH law and CEC supervision, reiterating support for BiH’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
United Kingdom: Respect for Dayton and the rule of law
British representative Jennifer McNaughtan reaffirmed London’s commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement, noting it guarantees two entities and three constituent peoples, and supports BiH’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
“We urge all actors to respect the rule of law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of BiH,” she said.
Serbia: Dialogue and consensus are the only path
Serbia’s envoy Radomir Ilić stated that dialogue and consensus between the two entities and three constituent peoples are the only legitimate ways to resolve BiH’s internal issues.
“Imposed solutions are counterproductive and harmful to the stability of the country and the region,” Ilić said.
Croatia: Equal representation for stability
Croatian deputy ambassador Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić said that equal representation of all constituent peoples is the foundation for democracy and stability in BiH.
France: Support for de-escalation and EU perspective
France welcomed the appointment of the acting RS president and other decisions of the RS National Assembly, reaffirming the EU’s role under the Dayton framework.
“The Balkans’ shared future lies in the European Union,” the French delegate said, citing President Emmanuel Macron’s message of prosperity through integration.
Slovenia: RS moves away from confrontation
Slovenian ambassador Samuel Žbogar said that the October 18 RS Assembly session marked “a shift away from confrontation.”
“BiH stands at a crossroads — between renewed trust in democratic institutions and the risk of further division. Recent developments in RS show that positive change is possible,” he said.
Žbogar welcomed the unanimous extension of EUFOR Althea’s mandate and urged BiH leaders to take ownership of the country’s future.
Other statements
- South Korea commended BiH for avoiding potential conflict and reaffirmed support for the Althea mission.
- Panama announced it would monitor the upcoming RS elections closely.
- Greece and Slovenia both praised steps leading to de-escalation and dialogue.
Republika Srpska’s message
Officials from Republika Srpska expressed confidence that Russia’s chairmanship ensured that Srpska’s voice would be heard in New York.
In the RS Government’s report to the Security Council, it is stated that the international community must “unequivocally reject attempts to remove President Milorad Dodik from political life,” as he is being prosecuted “based on an invalid criminal provision imposed by Christian Schmidt’s will.”
Summary
The session highlighted a notable softening of tone toward Republika Srpska from several Western representatives, renewed emphasis on dialogue, and broad consensus on extending EUFOR’s mandate.
For the first time, the U.S., EU, Russia, and China all acknowledged — though in different ways — the need to de-escalate tensions and respect the Dayton framework, suggesting a potential diplomatic turning point for BiH.
Source: RTRS
