United States at the UN: Schmidt's successor by the end of June, OHR was never intended to be permanent

(Patria) - The UN Security Council is discussing the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina today at a regular semi-annual session, held after High Representative Christian Schmidt announced his withdrawal from the post.

https://nap.ba/post/schmidt-pred-vijecem-sigurnosti-un-stalne-blokade-i-osporavanje-bh-institucija-vode-ka-tihoj-dekonstrukciji-drzave

Schmidt pred Vijećem sigurnosti UN: Stalne blokade i osporavanje bh. institucija vode ka 'tihoj dekonstrukciji' države

U izvještaju, koji obuhvata period od 16. oktobra 2025. do 15. aprila 2026., Schmidt je naveo da ukupna sigurnosna situacija u BiH ostaje "stabilna, ali krhka".

In her address, the Deputy Representative of the US to the UN, Ambassador Tammy Bruce, stated that "the international mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina is transitioning to a new phase" and that Schmidt's successor should be appointed by the end of June.

Bruce stated that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) "was never intended to be permanent."

- The success of the High Representative means leaving a much more limited set of responsibilities to their successor - Bruce said.

She also stated that Schmidt "helped establish the institutions of a sovereign Bosnia," and that the task of the next High Representative will be to "transfer the responsibility for leading and maintaining these institutions to domestic leaders."

- One day there will no longer be a need for such a role - Bruce said.

Bruce emphasized that the next High Representative must enjoy the trust of all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Most importantly, this person must be committed to a sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina - she added.

According to her, the US will evaluate candidates according to the standard of "trust and impartiality" ahead of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) meeting in June.

- It is imperative that the successor is in office by the end of June to ensure stability ahead of the autumn election campaign - Bruce said.

She also added that Washington wants to work with international partners, but that the US also has "its own candidates in mind, if necessary."

Bruce said that a sovereign BiH means a country where "decisions are made by domestic leaders," through "pragmatic, locally-owned solutions," with international voices facilitating them, "rather than dictating them."

She told the leaders in BiH: "Focus on practical cooperation and responsible governance and work with each other to advance the prosperity of all your citizens."

- Do not view changes as a zero-sum game, but as an opportunity to show the world what you can achieve - Bruce emphasized.

She also stated that "secessionist legislative threats in Republika Srpska have been withdrawn," that "the authority of the Constitutional Court has been recognized," and that "Milorad Dodik has left public office."

She also mentioned the Southern Interconnection project, which "offers the possibility of prosperity for all communities if their leaders can work together."

She also pointed out that voters in BiH will go to the polls in October under the new Election Law.

- The United States is ready to support this leadership during the transition and to oppose those who threaten stability or the fair conduct of elections - Bruce emphasized.

She also stated that this is "not a victory or defeat for any party or group in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but an acknowledgment that one phase of international presence is ending."

At the end of her address, she thanked Christian Schmidt "for his service and dedication to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina."