prijava
NEW YORK, June 30 (FENA) - Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turković called on the United Nations Security Council to support the election of a new High Representative to BiH, Christian Schmidt.
According to Radio Free Europe, she stated that BiH is not ready to close the Office of the High Representative.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is looking forward to the day when the Office of the High Representative will be closed, but unfortunately that day has not arrived yet. Although we see progress in certain areas, we still have a lot to do,” said Turković during the discussion on the resignation of High Representative Valentin Inzko and the election of Christian Schmidt as the new representative.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of the High Representative and his role in the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in BiH. The process of transferring responsibility to elected BiH officials is important, but it must be done at the right time when the agreed preconditions are met,” said Turković.
Turković addressed the Security Council after BiH Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik sent a letter to the Security Council chairman on June 29, stating that Turković "does not have the authority to address the UN session."
Dodik also opposes the election of Schmidt as the new High Representative.
She also stated that it is extremely important for the OHR to continue its activities, with the citizens and institutions of BiH and the international community, which, as she said, ensures the progress of BiH.
Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said after addressing Minister Turković that "she has no legal right to speak on behalf of all three peoples in BiH before the Security Council, and that she has expressed her personal opinion."
The representative of the United States of America in the Security Council, Richard Mills, emphasized at the session that BiH is currently at peace, but that its stability should not be taken for granted.
Mills reminded that all members of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, except Moscow, supported the appointment of Schmidt, and reiterated that it was not necessary for all members to agree and that the UN Security Council does not have to confirm his appointment.
(FENA) A. B.
