China and Russia Against Resolution, US Emphasizes - Genocide in Srebrenica is a Historical Fact

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt today submitted his regular semi-annual report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN Security Council.

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Schmidt in the Security Council Warned of 'Dissolution' of BiH State: It Would Be a Scenario with Serious Consequences

(Patria) - The regular semi-annual debate of the United Nations (UN) Security Council on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is underway in New York. High Representative Christian Schmidt was the first to address the attendees, who, in his report on the situation in our country...

Following Schmidt's address, a discussion ensued in which numerous United Nations member states participated.

China 'Fires' at Schmidt

China's Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Geng Shuang, stated that the international community should remain committed to BiH, but that it "must have a balanced approach" in doing so.

"Taking sides, imposing decisions, introducing sanctions is not the way. We are concerned about the way Schmidt was appointed, as well as his imposition of the Election Law," Geng said.



He accused the High Representative of causing divisions in the country by using his "Bonn Powers," adding, however, that China will continue to be a friend to all peoples in BiH and a constructive partner.

Geng also dedicated part of his speech to the Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica, which is expected to be considered at a UN General Assembly session later this month.

He assessed that it is not in line with the spirit of promoting reconciliation and harmony in BiH and between the countries in the region.

Russia: Close the OHR

Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Western countries are pressuring elected officials in BiH, especially in Republika Srpska, who are facing sanctions, bank account closures, and similar measures.

"We see continuous efforts by Western countries to destroy the progress achieved in recent years. Mr. Schmidt is an instrument of this colonial policy," Nebenzya stated, adding that the Office of the High Representative should be closed.

He reiterated that Schmidt is a "German citizen" who should not have been allowed to address the Security Council and that "he is not the High Representative because he was not appointed by a UN Security Council resolution."



"Allowing Mr. Denis Bećirović to address the Council without consensus within the BiH Presidency, which is responsible for BiH's foreign policy, is not an incident but a consistent violation of international law by Western countries," Nebenzya said.

Like the representative of China, he also opposed the adoption of the Resolution on Srebrenica, initiated by Germany and Rwanda, saying that it "does not enjoy the trust of everyone in the country."

"We oppose such efforts and what the Western world is doing," Nebenzya added.

US: Support for the OHR

Unlike China and Russia, the US emphasized its support for the OHR and High Representative Christian Schmidt, including his use of "Bonn Powers" which allow him to change laws and dismiss officials.

"We will continue to use all tools, including sanctions, to hold actors accountable," said the US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Robert A. Wood.

Wood emphasized that it is a historical fact that genocide was committed against the Bosniak population in Srebrenica in 1995, and that this has been established by the rulings of international courts, and condemned the denial of genocide and other war crimes and the glorification of convicted war criminals.



He added that the actions of the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who is under US sanctions, threaten peace and stability in BiH.

"Dodik regularly calls for the dissolution of the state," Wood said, among other things.

Denial of genocide, the US representative points out, prevents reconciliation, and adds that honoring the victims of genocide strengthens the values highlighted in the UN Charter.