A session of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in New York. Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya called for the urgent closure of the OHR, stressing that it remains the main factor of instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
U.S. representative to the Security Council Tammy Bruce stated in her address that the era of international interventionism and tutelage in Bosnia and Herzegovina is approaching its end.
Despite objections from Russia, Christian Schmidt also addressed the Security Council session, once again placing the blame for problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Republika Srpska.
Nebenzya stated that the time has come for the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina to gain true sovereignty and determine their own future. Russia made it clear that the Office of the High Representative has, from the very beginning, been the main source of instability in the country. Instead of assisting in the implementation of the civilian aspects of the peace agreement, the OHR became an instrument of Western interference in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The culmination of this was the unlawful appointment of former German politician Schmidt, contrary to international procedures and without a decision by the UN Security Council. We demand that Western countries stop interfering in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We insist on the urgent closure of the OHR. That is the first and necessary step toward stabilizing the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Nebenzya stated.
The representative of China delivered a similar message, stressing that Schmidt does not have confirmation from the Security Council and that it is time for foreign countries to stop interfering in relations within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It is essential to respect the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. The fate of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be in the hands of its peoples, who should independently decide and govern their own affairs. Mr. Schmidt’s appointment was not confirmed by the UN Security Council. Both the institution of the High Representative and the Bonn powers were special arrangements for a special period. They should not be extended, much less made permanent,” said Sun Lei.
Schmidt, however, used what could be his final appearance before the Security Council to once again criticize Republika Srpska.
“The leadership of Republika Srpska continues to challenge the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and undermine stability and reform prospects. This return to more explicit secessionist themes was recently illustrated by statements from Mr. Dodik in the context of the commemoration in Donja Gradina. Furthermore, the persistent denial of the multiethnic character of the entity, particularly within Republika Srpska, has evolved into systematic exclusion,” Schmidt said.
The position of the United States was more reserved, although Washington announced a shift in approach, stating that the next High Representative should this time be selected with the consent of all sides.
“The task of the next High Representative will be to transfer responsibility for governing and maintaining those institutions to local leaders. One day there will no longer be a need for such a role. To accomplish that task, the next High Representative must enjoy the trust of all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Tammy Bruce stated.
She added that this is not a victory or defeat for any party or group in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but rather recognition that one phase of international presence has come to an end.
Denis Bećirović also addressed the session, accusing Republika Srpska of undermining the Dayton Agreement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let us be completely clear and open. The leadership of Republika Srpska, not the High Representative, are the ones dismantling the Dayton Peace Agreement,” Bećirović said.
He also accused Serbia and Croatia of interfering in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting swift responses.
“It is ironic that those who present themselves as the main defenders of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to use biased rhetoric and pursue unilateral domestic policies that clearly point to deeper problems, which obviously can no longer be reduced solely to accusations against Republika Srpska. Serbia rejects claims that its position contributes to destabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia neither interferes nor seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Radomir Ilić.
Croatian Ambassador Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić stated that Bećirović had used the platform for election campaigning.
“We regret that Mr. Bećirović used this important platform and this very important moment in the Security Council to begin his election campaign. Regarding accusations of interference, we firmly reject any insinuation that the Republic of Croatia interferes in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Hrvatinić said.
The Security Council debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina lasted more than two and a half hours. One of the statements that drew particular attention was Nebenzya’s remark that it would take considerable time to repair all the damage caused by Christian Schmidt.
Source: RTRS
