"Glorification of war criminals", Schmidt at the UN Security Council warns of risks to the integrity of Bosnia

The United Nations Security Council held its regular six-monthly debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, at a time marked by rising political tensions and heated discussions over the role of the international community in the country, particularly the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

At the center of the debate was High Representative Christian Schmidt, who was allowed to address the session despite Russia's objections. The Russian deputy ambassador to the UN, Anna Evstigneeva, opposed his participation, while China, through Security Council President Geng Shuang, did not block his appearance.

Schmidt, in his speech, warned of serious challenges to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing as the main problems the glorification of war criminals, structural discrimination and political blockades that, according to him, are hindering the country's economic development. He also stressed that the issue of state property remains one of the most sensitive points in the country.

The day before the session, on May 11, Schmidt had confirmed that he would step down after almost five years in the post, citing personal reasons. However, he will remain in office until a successor is appointed, a process that is expected to be finalized in June. The new appointment will go through the Peace Implementation Council, which includes the US, Turkey, Japan and several EU countries.

Since his appointment in 2021, Schmidt has not been recognized by Russia as High Representative, arguing that his appointment has not been confirmed by the UN Security Council. This position is also supported by China, as Moscow and Beijing continue to call for the closure of the OHR.

The United States, through its representative Tammy Bruce, emphasized that the OHR is not intended to be a permanent institution and that powers should be gradually transferred to local authorities. She added that the new Representative should focus on strengthening local institutions and preparing for an institutional transition.

On the other hand, the United Kingdom expressed full support for Schmidt and his competencies, emphasizing the importance of international response in cases where democratic institutions "come under attack", especially during election periods.

China and Russia were critical of the OHR's ​​role. The Russian UN representative, Vasily Nebenzia, said that international interference was damaging internal relations in Bosnia and called for the immediate closure of the Office of the High Representative. He also reiterated his demand for special treatment for convicted former wartime officials, including Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić, which caused mixed reactions in the room.

Chinese representative Geng Shuang stressed the need for political stability and internal dialogue between the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling for the avoidance of external interference and respect for the country's sovereignty.

On the European side, France and the United Kingdom reaffirmed support for Bosnia's territorial integrity and its path to the European Union, warning against separatist rhetoric. French representative Jérôme Bonnafont stressed that "Bosnia's future is in the EU" and that any attempt at destabilization is unacceptable.

The debate also included representatives from the region. The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, warned of destabilizing efforts and interference from neighboring countries, accusing political actors from Republika Srpska of undermining state institutions. He also called for the swift appointment of a new High Representative and the preservation of the OHR's ​​powers.

Serbia's representative, Radomir Ilić, rejected accusations of interference and said Belgrade supports Bosnia's territorial integrity in accordance with the Dayton Agreement. Croatia's representative, Hrvoje Ćurić Hrvatinić, stressed support for Bosnia's sovereignty but called for electoral reforms, arguing that the representation of voters must be respected.

Bosnia's Ambassador to the UN, Zlatko Lagumdžija, assessed that internal political statements should not be misused for campaigning and recalled the importance of respecting existing international documents on the structure of the state.

The Security Council debate ended without a clear consensus on the future of the OHR, while divisions among the Council's permanent members - the US, Russia and China - remain deep. The issue is expected to return again at the next session in November, when the extension of the mandate of the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be discussed.

The Geopost