Christian Schmidt says the multi-ethnic nation may fall apart thanks to pressure from the US and Russia
The UN high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina has warned about the possible destruction of the multi-ethnic state after he was forced to resign in a policy clash with the US, seemingly complicated by the commercial interests of a firm linked to Donald Trump Jr that is seeking to make investments in the region.
German Christian Democrat politician Christian Schmidt is set to explain his resignation in a scheduled meeting with the UN security council in New York on Tuesday, where he will also warn about the fragility of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has made clear he believes his post should be maintained by saying he will stay on until his successor is appointed.
The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, already locked in a clash with Trump over the Iran war and the reduction of US troops stationed in Germany, has been unable to protect Schmidt from US pressure.
The role of the UN high representative was established as part of the 1995 Dayton peace agreement that ended a three year ethnic war in which more than 100,000 people were killed. It was given wide powers for the interpretation of the agreement, including amending laws, but is subject to the decisions of a 55-strong multinational governing board.
