The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, visited the Potocari Memorial Center, where he met with the Center’s director, Emir Suljagic, and laid flowers in remembrance.

His visit comes amid rising political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik repeatedly stated that Schmidt would be arrested and deported if he appeared in the RS entity.

“I don't know what that gentleman said, but it’s my duty to work for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole, and my mandate is important. I am working to fulfil it to the end. And I must say that I am happy to have support even in Republika Srpska. I will not mention names to avoid any discomfort for those individuals, but I want to say that we are moving forward with respect for the rule of law. And I know that in Banja Luka and elsewhere in Republika Srpska, many support this,” Schmidt stated in an interview for Nova BH.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Republika Srpska government are intensifying their lobbying efforts, demanding the repeal of the High Representative’s decisions as a condition for easing tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandic recently warned that the crisis could escalate if Schmidt does not withdraw his decisions, citing former High Representative Miroslav Lajcak’s precedent of rescinding measures in the past.

However, Schmidt firmly rejected the possibility of reversing his decisions.

“I have heard that some are referring to a former High Representative. Not only was that person mistaken when speaking about Miroslav Lajcak, but I am not Miroslav Lajcak, even though he is my friend. No law applies to just one individual but to all. If there are requests for amendments to the law, I invite the Parliamentary Assembly to make those changes”, Schmidt stated.

Speaking about the work of state security agencies, Schmidt also addressed the situation regarding Republika Srpska’s president, who travelled to Israel despite an active central arrest warrant.

“Anyone who leaves must return. Let’s wait and see,” Schmidt concluded.