IT WOULD BE GOOD IF RUSSIA WERE TO STATE BEFORE SECURITY COUNCIL THAT SCHMIDT'S DECISIONS BE DECLARED NULL AND VOID

BELGRADE, MAY 10 /SRNA/ - Political scientist Aleksandar Pavić said it would be very beneficial if Russia were to state before the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, May 12, that Christian Schmidt's decisions in BiH should be considered null and void.

Pavić assessed that, if such a position were presented, it would resonate with the public and exert additional pressure on both Schmidt and the Western countries supporting him. He also reminded that Russia’s position on Schmidt has long been clear, namely, that it does not recognize him as High Representative, and therefore, in Moscow’s view, his decisions could be regarded as null and void. "Moscow could present such a position, and it would be very good if it did so at the UN Security Council," Pavić told SRNA. He said that a veto from France and the United Kingdom could certainly be expected, as they are not yet ready to give up the services of Christian Schmidt and the OHR /the Office of the High Representative/ in general. "Even if Russia's proposal were rejected, for example, if it were not placed on the agenda, that would still constitute pressure," Pavić said. He pointed out that in diplomacy, certain proposals are made even when it is known in advance that they will be rejected, as this is part of diplomatic strategy. “The next time someone needs Russia's vote, Russia will remind them of the time when they did not accommodate Moscow. So it will certainly be very important for Russia to try to put this on the agenda, even if it does not succeed," Pavić concluded.