Schmidt after PIC session: Broad consensus on the importance of the OHR, handover in the coming weeks

(Patria) - At the two-day session of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board, no new High Representative was elected to succeed Christian Schmidt, who recently resigned from the post.

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Upravni odbor (UO) Vijeća za implementaciju mira (PIC) na današnjoj sjednici nije izabrao novog visokog predstavnika, nasljednika Christiana Schmidta, koji je nedavno podnio ostavku pod pritiskom SAD-a.

And after the conclusion of the session, Schmidt himself addressed the BiH public via a video message. He, who also chairs the PIC at the level of political directors, said that over the past two days the session had assessed developments relevant to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A particular focus of the discussions, Schmidt explained, was on Bosnia and Herzegovina's preparations for the General Elections in October 2026, as well as on domestic reforms aimed at increasing the functionality of institutions at the state level, which are causing considerable concern.

- We had experts who reported, and I would especially mention the President of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition to these issues, the members of the Steering Board participated in intensive consultations regarding the next High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, because I previously stated that by the end of June I would call for the search for my successor.

A broad consensus was reached on the importance of the Office of the High Representative (OHR). These consultations will continue. All participants look forward to the selection of a candidate by consensus in the coming days, with the aim of a transition by the end of June.

The selected candidate will support the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and assist the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the important work of reforms, most importantly in addressing the 5+2 agenda.

Allow me to say that this meeting, where the PIC remains active, is ongoing, and we expect that in due course there will be a nomination and appointment of my successor.

I chaired this meeting and this will be my last PIC meeting that I chair. I want to thank the members of this body for their strong support during my five-year mandate.

The PIC will remain active on this matter and I hope for a good handover process in the coming weeks to the newly appointed High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thank you very much - Schmidt said.