State Department on Schmidt's withdrawal: Decision at the 'right moment'

(Patria) - The withdrawal of Christian Schmidt from the position of High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina "comes at the right moment," stated a spokesperson for the State Department to Radio Free Europe (RSE).

- High Representative Schmidt has informed the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) of his decision to withdraw from the position. We acknowledge Mr. Schmidt's years of dedicated work and achievements in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

His decision to leave Sarajevo comes at the right moment, as the international community works together to turn a new page and de-escalate tensions in BiH," the State Department responded to RSE's question about whether they were informed of Schmidt's withdrawal plans.

They added that the United States remains committed to the Dayton Agreement, the sovereignty and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On May 11, Schmidt announced his withdrawal for "personal reasons," but stated he would remain in the position until his successor is appointed, who is to be proposed by the PIC, comprising the US, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Japan, and several EU member states.

- The process of appointing my successor has already begun, and I expect to leave the position in June - said Schmidt.

A day later, he addressed a session of the UN Security Council in New York, where the future of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in BiH was also discussed.

The United States stated that the OHR "was never intended to be a permanent institution," with the position that powers should be gradually transferred to domestic leaders.

- The next High Representative should transfer responsibilities to local leaders - said US representative Tammy Bruce.

Expressing gratitude to Schmidt, Bruce added that the future High Representative should have a "significantly more limited mandate."

Regarding China and Russia, which have challenged the legitimacy of his appointment since 2022, they took a critical stance towards the OHR at the UN session.

Beijing called for a reduction in external influence, while Moscow called for the closure of the OHR and rejected Schmidt's legitimacy.