Christian Schmidt is expected to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina as early as June, and will most likely announce his decision at the session of the United Nations Security Council scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, according to reports by the portal Provjereno.
According to multiple diplomatic sources, Schmidt is expected to justify his departure by retirement. However, the report claims that behind the move lies pressure from the United States, as well as a broader understanding between Russia and United States to resolve the issue of international supervision in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Russia had previously conditioned its consent in the Security Council regarding the appointment of a High Representative, while the United States reportedly views some of Schmidt’s decisions as problematic, particularly his involvement in the selection of a company for new election technologies.
Following a series of disputed actions in the selection process, a company currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice was chosen. Although the investigation does not directly relate to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the decision has raised additional concerns.
Earlier reports suggested that Emanuele Giaufret could succeed Schmidt. However, the appointment of a new High Representative is not expected to proceed quickly, and it is likely to be the result of an agreement between the United States and Russia, with the final decision on the candidate still pending.
Source: Provjereno
