State Department on Christian Schmidt's withdrawal: Decision at the "right moment"

Christian Schmidt's withdrawal from the position of High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) "comes at the right time," a State Department spokesperson said in a comment to Radio Free Europe (RFE).

"High Representative Schmidt has informed the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) of his decision to step down. We recognize Mr. Schmidt's years of dedicated service and achievements in BiH. His decision to leave Sarajevo comes at an opportune time, as the international community works together to turn the page and de-escalate tensions in BiH," the statement said when asked by RFE/RL whether the State Department had been informed of Schmidt's plans to step down.

It concludes that the US remains committed to the Dayton Agreement, the sovereignty and independence of BiH.

Schmidt announced on Monday, May 11, that he was stepping down for "personal reasons", but that he would remain in that position until a successor was appointed, which should be proposed by the Peace Implementation Council in BiH, which consists of the US, Turkey, Great Britain, Japan and several EU members.

"The process of appointing my successor has already begun and I expect to leave the position in June," Schmidt said.

A day later, he addressed the UN Security Council session in New York, where the future of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in BiH was also discussed.

The United States has said that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) "was never meant to be a permanent institution," arguing that powers should be gradually transferred to domestic leaders.

"The next High Representative should transfer responsibilities to local leaders," said US Representative Tammy Bruce.

She thanked Schmidt and underlined that the future High Representative should have a "significantly more limited mandate".

When it comes to China and Russia, which have disputed the legitimacy of Schmidt's election since his appointment in 2022, they took a critical stance towards the OHR at the UN session.

Beijing called for a reduction in external influence, while Moscow called for the closure of the Office of the High Representative and rejected Schmidt's legitimacy.