The UN Security Council voted unanimously to renew for one year the mandate of the European military mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite Russian opposition to the existence of an international high representative to the Balkan country, writes Euractiv.

The Security Council’s vote took place as the leader of the country’s Bosnian Serbs has been stepping up separatist threats and is accused of putting peace in jeopardy.

Russia, a powerful backer of the Bosnian Serbs, has strongly criticized the post of high representative.

Moscow refuses to even recognize incumbent Christian Schmidt of Germany, who has just succeeded the Austrian Valentin Inzko after 12 years in office.