The Russian embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina explained why it does not recognize the new High Representative for BiH, Christian Schmidt.
The embassy posted a special message on its Facebook page, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
In its message, the Russian Embassy notes that China takes a similar position, “based on international law, the supporting structure of which is the UN.” While Western countries criticize Moscow, “without understanding the specific nature of the statement of the High Representative.”
“A number of documents – the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH, UN Security Council resolutions, documents of the Peace Implementation Council and its Governing Council and, ultimately, established practice – provide for the following procedure for electing the High Representative,” the statement says. – The Governing Council (previously at the level of Foreign Ministers, then at the level of Political Directors, now at the level of Ambassadors in Sarajevo) selected - solely on the basis of consensus - a candidate for the post of High Representative, who was then approved by a resolution of the UN Security Council. It is precisely this procedure that our Western partners have always, we emphasize, have always insisted on. And it’s clear why. Each time they had to obtain the approval of the UN Security Council so that the High Representative could use his full arsenal of powers.”
Now, as Russian diplomats note, the West has decided not to put forward the candidacy of a new High Representative, Christian Schmidt, through the Security Council, arguing that the existing agreement between representatives of Western countries is sufficient.
“We understand this “special operation.” Every time we constantly point out that the High Representative and his office have become disassociated from the Dayton agenda, that Dayton is being used as a “screen” for the implementation of a selfish geopolitical agenda that does not reflect the aspirations of the entire population of BiH. This is why the Office of the High Representative (OHR) has become a robot that has long since lost its role as Dayton's facilitator in the stabilization process.
We are accused of trying to destabilize the situation in BiH. But the latest example of an arbitrary change in criminal legislation (the introduction by the former High Representative Valentin Inzko of criminal liability for denying the fake “genocide in Srebrenica - ed.) clearly shows who is destabilizing the situation not only in BiH, but also far beyond its borders. In fact, destabilization is carried out by those who flagrantly violate international law and the Dayton Agreement - directly or indirectly,” the Russian embassy said in a statement.
The Russian Embassy also noted that it is not against Schmidt, as such, given his political weight and experience in the Balkans.
“But, according to Christian Schmidt, the principle of consensus was not observed when nominating his candidacy, and the approval of the UN Security Council was not obtained. Therefore, he is illegitimate for us as a High Representative,” Russian diplomats concluded.