US envoy to the UN urges Bosnia to take responsibility for its future

The United States Representative to the United Nations Security Council, Tammy Bruce, has stated that the success of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be measured by the country's ability to build a stable, secure and sovereign state, even if this means ending the mandate of the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

During her speech at the Security Council session, where the six-monthly report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was discussed, Bruce praised the efforts of the OHR, led by the Acting High Representative, Louis J. Crishock, to empower local leaders and prepare institutions to assume full responsibility for the governance of the country.

"We recognize the efforts of the Office of the High Representative, led by the Acting High Representative, Louis J. Crishock, to empower local leaders and prepare the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to assume full responsibility for its affairs," Bruce stated.

She stressed that the ultimate goal should be to create a Bosnia and Herzegovina that can function independently, without the need for international supervision.

"Success for the High Representative is promoting a stable, secure, and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if that means leaving the job," the US representative said.

Bruce added that the country is moving closer to fulfilling the objectives of the Dayton Peace Agreement, according to which local institutions must take responsibility for their challenges and political leaders must find solutions within the country.

She also called for the formation of new institutions after the elections, emphasizing that the process should not be delayed.

"After the elections, the hard work begins. We support the formation of a government without delay," Bruce declared.

The American stance comes at a time when the latest report of the High Representative in Charge contains criticism of the authorities of Republika Srpska, as well as the SNSD and HDZ parties, for blocking and undermining the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina's state institutions.

On the other hand, the representative of the United Kingdom in the Security Council presented a more direct position in support of the continued role of the Office of the High Representative.

She stated that the OHR continues to have a vital role in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that London fully supports its work.

Regarding the appointment of the new High Representative, she emphasized that the decision rests with the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC).

"The selection of a new High Representative remains a matter for the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. An agreement on the successor to the High Representative will be reached shortly," the British representative stated.

She also warned that calls for the secession of Republika Srpska and the creation of a third entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina pose a risk to the country's stability.

"The United Kingdom respects the Dayton Peace Agreement: one state, two entities, three constituent peoples and others. Divisive rhetoric, including unilateral calls for secession and the creation of a third entity, is contrary to Dayton and endangers peace and stability," she stressed.

Meanwhile, at the same session, the United Nations Security Council unanimously decided to extend the mandate of the European Union Force (EUFOR) mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The decision to extend EUFOR's mandate comes within the framework of the international commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the country, in a period of ongoing political tensions and disagreements about the functioning of state institutions.