The United Nations Security Council could propose an independent strategic review of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) during its semiannual debate on BiH on October 30. The review could examine the office’s remaining functions and progress toward fulfilling the objectives and conditions of the “5+2” agenda.
According to information published on the UN website, the session will address the current political and security situation in BiH, the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and a vote on extending the mandate of the European Union’s peacekeeping mission, EUFOR Althea, before its current authorization expires.
Future of OHR remains a key issue
The future of the OHR remains one of the central issues ahead of the Security Council debate.
“The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council has yet to reach an agreement on a successor to Christian Schmidt, leaving Louis Crishock as Acting High Representative, while longstanding divisions persist over the OHR’s legitimacy, powers and eventual closure,” the statement said.
According to the UN information, one possible option would be for the Security Council to adopt a statement encouraging the Peace Implementation Council to complete the succession process.
Such a statement could also reaffirm the conditions established under the “5+2” agenda for the closure of the OHR.
The protection of BiH’s constitutional order and the maintenance of stability were also identified as key issues.
Acting High Representative will not attend New York session
The OHR previously confirmed that Acting High Representative Louis Crishock, an American diplomat, would not travel to New York for the upcoming Security Council session.
The office stated that although Crishock possesses all the legal powers of the High Representative, including mandatory reporting responsibilities related to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, he would not attend the meeting in person.
Instead, the regular six-month report on the situation in BiH has already been submitted to the UN Secretary-General for formal distribution to Security Council members.
The October 30 debate is expected to provide an opportunity for Security Council members to discuss the future role of the OHR, the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the continued international security presence in BiH.
Source: RTRS
