01/07/26 (Agence Europe) – Ambassadors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) appointed current First Deputy High Representative Louis J. Crishock as Acting High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday 30 June, pending an agreement on the appointment of a new High Representative, following German diplomat Christian Schmidt’s early resignation. The PIC Steering Board pledged to reach an agreement on the choice of a new High Representative as soon as possible, with the aim of finalising the appointment no later than 14 July, according to a statement from the Office of the High Representative. The European Union countries failed to agree on a candidate in June. Germany and France support the French candidate, René Troccaz, who is also backed by the United Kingdom, while Italy supports Antonio Zanardi Landi, who is also backed by the United States (see EUROPE 13886/19). (APH)