Russia against Schmidt’s Appointment in Bosnia, U.S. Considers It a Fait Accompli

U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL

At a session of the U.N. Security Council Russia objected to the appointment of German politician Christian Schmidt as the new High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the U.S. representative said it was “a fait accompli” and that Schmidt will take over on Aug. 1, the media in Bosnia and Croatia have reported.

During a debate on Schmidt’s appointment held on June 29 on Russia’s request, Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia said that all sides in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the U.N. Security Council had to agree on the matter, which, according to him, had not happened, the HINA agency reported.

The Peace Implementation Council (PIC), which supervises and defines the work of the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and comprises representatives of the leading Western countries, Russia, and Turkey, the latter acting on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, recently appointed Schmidt as the successor to Valentin Inzko, with Russia being against.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Richard Mills said that the appointment of the new high representative was “a fait accompli,” because, according to him, an agreement within the PIC is sufficient for the appointment, not warranting the approval of the U.N. Security Council.

The other Western diplomats also supported the nomination of Schmidt. During the debate, all sides in Bosnia were urged to refrain from the narrative fueling ethnic tensions and endangering peace, and called on the Bosnian leaders to fight for the future generations.

Bosnian Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic also joined the debate despite the opposition of Bosnian Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik, who in a letter to the Security Council said she had no permission or consent to do so.