02.07.2007 OHR / EUSR

Miroslav Lajčák Succeeds Christian Schwarz-Schilling

Miroslav Lajčák succeeded Christian Schwarz-Schilling as High Representative and EU Special Representative this morning.

At a short hand-over ceremony in front of the entrance of the Office of the High Representative in Sarajevo, Mr Schwarz-Schilling said he was pleased to be handing over to so dynamic and able an individual and wished him well.

“I am also confident that the new High Representative and EU Special Representative will be able to build on the work of his predecessors and, together with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, take this country forward,” Mr Schwarz-Schilling said.

Ambassador Lajčák thanked Mr Schwarz-Schilling for his unique contribution to peace implementation and for preparing the OHR for his arrival, saying: “You will remain a true friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina for all time.”

Ambassador Lajčák also made clear that today was a new beginning and that he was looking forward to the challenge.

“I intend to build on the foundations that have been built during the past 12 years of peace implementation and to work together with the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to position this country firmly on the path to the European Union,” he said.