The Peace Implementation Council (PIC) has appointed American official Louis Crishock, currently serving as the First Deputy High Representative, as Acting High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina pending the appointment of a new High Representative.
According to the PIC, the decision will remain in effect until a permanent High Representative is appointed. The PIC Steering Board also committed to reaching an agreement on the appointment as soon as possible, with the goal of completing the process no later than July 14, 2026.
Crishock is scheduled to assume the role on July 1.
“The PIC Steering Board looks forward to successful cooperation with Mr. Crishock after he assumes the duties of Acting High Representative on July 1, 2026,” the organization said in a statement.
The United States continues to support the candidacy of Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi, while European Union member states favor French diplomat René Troccaz for the position.
According to the report, a third candidate is also being considered as a possible compromise acceptable to both sides.
Officials in Republika Srpska maintain that the Peace Implementation Council has no authority to appoint a High Representative, arguing that such an appointment requires the consent of the signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement, including Republika Srpska.
Source: RTRS
