Christian Schwarz-Schilling succeeded Paddy Ashdown as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina at midday today.
“I am confident that the coordination of the International Community and the work of the OHR are in good hands,” said the outgoing High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. “Dr. Schwarz-Schilling knows this country, loves this country, and has acted out of principle for the benefit of this country. I can think of nobody better to take over”, he added, during a short ceremony in front of the entrance of the main OHR office in Sarajevo.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has entered a new phase; it has begun negotiating a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Commission”, said the incoming High Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue the work, and to continue with the reforms in order to make this country a normal country, with its rightful place in Europe ”.