By the end of the year, a diplomat from the Serb people is expected to assume the position reserved for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the United Nations, a move seen as strengthening the political course of Republika Srpska’s leadership in its efforts to restore the principles of the original Dayton Agreement.
BiH currently maintains more than 50 embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions worldwide. Ambassadors are appointed by members of the BiH Presidency according to ethnic quotas, with an unwritten rule that each member independently chooses diplomats from their own national representation.
Among the most important diplomatic positions in recent years are those in Washington and New York, particularly due to the significance of the UN Security Council for political developments in BiH.
The issue has gained additional importance amid intensified diplomatic activity by Republika Srpska officials with representatives of US President Donald Trump’s administration, as well as recent debates within the UN Security Council about reducing international oversight in BiH.
SNSD leader Milorad Dodik recently stated that Republika Srpska should continue strengthening ties with the new US administration, which he described as “realist rather than globalist.”
“We supported Trump’s approach while politicians in Sarajevo campaigned for Kamala Harris, alongside Christian Schmidt himself. When we explained our situation to one of the five most powerful people in the US, he asked how we had managed to remain normal. Under previous administrations we could not even dream of such conversations,” Dodik told Politika.
He also announced that Republika Srpska would send its own ambassador to the UN by the end of the year.
Political analyst Aleksandar Pavić stated that previous ambassadors to the UN often represented only Bosniak political views and regularly acted against Republika Srpska’s interests.
“The UN is a global stage, which is why it is important that this time a representative of the Serb people takes the position. That would prevent further abuses,” Pavić told Glas Srpske.
He added that diplomacy today is also conducted through media narratives and public presence, making the UN mission one of the most influential diplomatic positions for BiH.
“Under the Trump administration, it is even more important to have a strong presence in the United States. They are not prisoners of previous Western policies toward BiH and Republika Srpska, and this opportunity should be used to the maximum,” Pavić said.
According to the Constitution of BiH, foreign policy and appointments of ambassadors fall under the jurisdiction of the BiH Presidency, while the Constitution of Republika Srpska specifies that the President of Republika Srpska proposes ambassadors and international representatives from Republika Srpska.
Source: Glas Srpske
