The Ambassadors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC SB) formally appointed Christian Schmidt as the next High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following his candidature put forward by Germany, the Office of the High Representative announced Thursday afternoon.

“The PIC SB looks forward to working with Mr Schmidt when he takes up his duties as the High Representative on August 1, 2021 upon which Mr Valentin Inzko’s resignation will become effective,” the statement said.

The PIC SB thanked Germany for its initiative and is confident that Mr Schmidt will accelerate the completion of the 5+2 agenda and contribute to the stability in Bosnia by ensuring consistent implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1002-1995 war in Bosnia.

The PIC SB also noted that this decision further underlines their commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia.

The OHR will now inform the United Nations Secretary-General of the PIC SB’s decision.

“The PIC SB expressed its appreciation to Ambassador Valentin Inzko for his longstanding extraordinary commitment and tremendous contribution to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and security and stability in Bosnia for the past 12 years.

The statement added that the Russian Federation did not agree with this decision.