Point of order by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at UNSC briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mme.President,
We would like to put on record that we disagree with the presence of Mr.Christian Schmidt at this meeting as so-called “High Representative”. Security Council never confirmed his appointment in this office.
We would like to stress that BiH is on the agenda of the Security Council under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. There is a 25-year long practice of approving High Representatives. That is why in the absence of a relevant UNSC-issued mandate the position of a High representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina remains vacant.
In light of the above, we underscore that Mr.Schmidt has no right to speak on behalf of the international community or submit any documents to the Security Council.
At the same time, the Security Council has a practice which allows for briefers to speak in their personal capacity. This is how we perceive the presence of Mr.Schmidt here today.
Thank you.
