Resignation of Christian Schmidt, High Representative for BiH: 'He Offended Trump'
Almost five years after being appointed High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Christian Schmidt has announced his departure.
TL;DR
- Christian Schmidt announced his resignation as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina after nearly five years.
- His tenure was marked by strong opposition from Republika Srpska's leadership, led by Milorad Dodik, who questioned Schmidt's legitimacy.
- Dodik celebrated Schmidt's upcoming departure, calling him illegitimate and urging him to donate his salary to charity.
- The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that the US had been pressuring Schmidt for months, demanding his resignation, possibly with an ultimatum.
- The article suggests US pressure might be linked to business interests in BiH, such as a liquefied natural gas terminal project.
- Donald Trump Jr. visited Banja Luka, and there are mentions of business events involving US circles linked to Republika Srpska.
- Russia also questions Schmidt's legitimacy, as his appointment was not confirmed by the UN Security Council.
- Schmidt has stated that BiH is not yet ready to function without the Office of the High Representative, citing unfulfilled conditions from the '5+2' program.
- The issue of state property is highlighted as a major challenge during Schmidt's mandate and a potential reason for his departure, aligning with US priorities.
- Schmidt's final report to the UN Security Council maintained his stance on secessionist policies and attempts to undermine BiH.