Covic conveyed this position to British Ambassador Ian Cliff at their meeting in Sarajevo.
After it was announced that the State Prosecution issued the indictment against the Croat member of the Bosnian three-man presidency, the British diplomat said that he was going to ask, on behalf of the international community, that Covic step down from the post in accordance with the practice of democratic countries.
A statement issued by Covic's office said that Covic had expressed "surprise at such a manner of commenting and informing the public and him about allegations from the indictment before its official confirmation".
Covic added that after the Bosnian Court took a position on the indictment, he would make a decision taking into account the Bosnian interests and European and international standards.
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said today it would stand by Covic, who is its member.
The HDZ described as rash and inappropriate the insistence of some international officials on Covic's resignation before he is found guilty.