The United States continues to back Italian diplomat Antonio Zanardi Landi as its preferred candidate to become the next High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the US Embassy in Sarajevo.
The embassy said Washington is not currently considering alternative candidates and believes Zanardi Landi is the most qualified person to take over the role from Acting High Representative Louis Crishock.
US officials described Zanardi Landi as a highly experienced and capable diplomat, adding that their position on his nomination remains unchanged.
Crishock has been serving as Acting High Representative after the Peace Implementation Council appointed him temporarily when European members failed to reach an agreement on a permanent replacement during a meeting in June.
The US Embassy said Crishock currently has the authority needed to help preserve stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and continue overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement until a new High Representative is selected.
The High Representative position remains one of the most important international roles in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and supporting political stability in the country.
The process of selecting a new High Representative has become a subject of disagreement among some international partners, as different countries have expressed different views on the future leadership of the Office of the High Representative.
Zanardi Landi’s nomination is expected to remain a key topic in discussions within the Peace Implementation Council as members work toward reaching an agreement on the next permanent High Representative.
