SUN: OHR SHOULD NOT BE PROLONGED

NEW YORK, MAY 12 /SRNA/ - China believes that the institution of the High Representative in BiH and the so-called Bonn powers should not be prolonged, and certainly not made permanent, Chinese Deputy Ambassador to the UN Sun Lei said.

Speaking at the UN Security Council session on BiH, Sun said: “China has taken note of Christian Schmidt’s announcement that he will step down. China’s position remains unchanged. Schmidt’s appointment was not approved by the UN Security Council. The institution of the High Representative and the Bonn powers are special arrangements for a special period".

Sun said it is important "to achieve political stability in BiH as soon as possible".

"China hopes that the two entities, three constituent peoples, and all political parties will remain calm and restrained, show mutual tolerance, and build a stable and productive political atmosphere in order to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections", Sun said.

He stressed the need to "strengthen ethnic reconciliation" in BiH, noting that the Dayton Peace Accords has played a key role in promoting harmonious coexistence.

"China hopes for long-term peace and stability in BiH and supports resolving all disputes through political negotiations", Sun said.

He also underlined the importance of efforts toward sustainable economic development and reiterated China's support for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of BiH.