Schmidt: I resigned due to pressure, not only on me, but also on the structures of the Dayton Agreement

The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Christian Schmidt, said today that he had decided to resign from his position because he felt that pressure was growing, not only on him, but also on the structures of the Dayton Agreement itself.

"I felt that the pressure was not only growing on me, but also on the Dayton structures themselves. It was important to me to ensure that the function itself continued to exist," Schmidt said in an interview with the German Süddeutsche Zeitung, Sarajevo media reported.

He explained that the abolition of the Office of the High Representative (OHR), without achieving the set goals, which have been partially achieved, would mean that the entire Dayton Peace Agreement is called into question, including the EUFOR military mission.

"And that would be irresponsible at a time when secessionist statements from Republika Srpska (RS) are increasing," Schmidt pointed out.

He added that "different circumstances" were necessary for him to remain as High Representative, emphasizing that he did not have sufficient support to continue his mandate, although European countries, especially Germany and the European Union (EU), were with him.

"There was certainly support. London was also very committed to preserving the OHR and personally supported me. There was also great support from Rome and other capitals. But there were conversations in the background that I did not participate in, I just heard that they were very intense," said Schmidt.

When asked about Russia's efforts to close the OHR, and about messages from the United States of America (USA), which seem to be on the same track, he replied that he was "not sure about the outcome and the possible disintegration of BiH."

"It is not known where these centrifugal tendencies will ultimately lead. But Bosnia today is not the Bosnia of 1991, when, due to the strong presence of the Yugoslav People's Army, there were a lot of weapons in the country," the High Representative in BiH stated.

He reiterated his earlier position that there is a "clash of civilizations" in BiH, and that the Muslim population of BiH faces a large number of insults, which, he assessed, serve to create an atmosphere for the secession of the RS.

He also said that he holds Croats and Serbs responsible for the blockades of the work of BiH institutions, especially the House of Peoples of BiH, who have repeatedly jointly prevented a quorum for decision-making, and thus the adoption of laws.

He added that legislators have adopted almost none of the measures required by the Council of Europe to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, emphasizing that because of this, BiH will likely end up on the grey list of countries at risk of money laundering.

Speaking about the issue of state property, which is one of the key unresolved issues in BiH, Schmidt announced that a potential solution is being prepared.

"Impatience is also growing among municipal mayors, who often cannot even build a sports hall. We are working on a new solution, my associates have developed a model according to which a commission would independently decide for what purposes state land can be used," explained Schmidt.

He also commented on statements by the leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), Milorad Dodik, about declaring the independence of RS if he imposes the law on state property.

"Dodik has just said that if I now try to adopt a new solution on state property that is not in line with his views, it would be a casus belli (immediate cause) for the independence of RS. Regardless of me personally, I believe that the international community will resolutely oppose such views and will not succumb to pressure," said Schmidt.

According to him, the issue of state property has been left to domestic actors to resolve, but there is no broader discussion about it due to the position of representatives from the RS who refuse to accept that BiH can be the titular owner of state property.

"With a little luck, we will reach a decision on the state property issue this year," Schmidt said.

He stated that the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) will meet in early June, when a new candidate for High Representative in BiH is expected to be appointed, but did not rule out the possibility that he will remain in this position after that session.

"Candidates for the position of High Representative in BiH do not grow on trees. And a person must have a certain threshold of tolerance. But I am convinced that someone will be found. The country still needs a High Representative, the security situation and political development are fragile, and international institutions provide people with a certain level of security," said Schmidt.

Finally, he emphasized that he would tell his successor not to believe the promises of political leaders and not to hesitate to point out his capabilities and competencies.

Speaking about the Southern Gas Interconnection project, which, according to media reports, was the reason for American pressure on him to resign, because the largest route of that gas pipeline passes through state property in the Federation of BiH, he said that the construction of that gas pipeline is based on a six-year-old feasibility study supported by the EU.

"The goal was to reduce the influence of Russia's Gazprom. However, the EU withdrew from the project. Now the Europeans are no longer involved. The fact that the Americans have a different approach cannot be held against them in advance," concluded Schmidt.