PIC calls on Dodik to immediately cease the policy of non-recognition and non-cooperation with Schmidt

(Patria) - Ambassadors of the Steering Board (SB) member states of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) once again express their firm and consistent support for the mandate of High Representative Christian Schmidt and the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in overseeing the implementation of the civilian aspects of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP).

"The PIC SB decisively rejects all attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the OHR and the High Representative and reminds of its decision of May 27, 2021, on the appointment of Christian Schmidt as High Representative.

The PIC SB also reminds that on July 14, 2023, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, confirmed in his letter to the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, that the PIC SB is the body competent for the appointment of the High Representative.

Any attempt to limit the High Representative's ability to exercise his mandate under Annex 10 of the GFAP throughout the entire territory of the state represents an act of non-compliance with the GFAP.

The High Representative continues to exercise his mandate throughout the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council calls on the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, to immediately cease his policy of non-recognition of the High Representative and non-cooperation with the High Representative, which is detrimental to the interests of Republika Srpska.

The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council calls on all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to consistently work towards achieving the European perspective of this country, and in doing so, spare no effort in implementing the reforms necessary for BiH to advance on its Euro-Atlantic path, rather than raising unnecessary tensions.

The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council also reaffirms that the international community is fully committed and retains the necessary instruments to support the GFAP, including the territorial integrity of BiH.