Last year's general elections, the constitution of new government bodies at the state level and a stable situation in the country are sufficient arguments for a decision obviating the need for the use of instruments of the external management of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the press release read.
Shuvalov's statement was seen as the Russian government's response to the announcement by High Representative Christian Schwarz-Schilling that he would recommend to the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) to extend the OHR's term of office after it expires on June 30.
The date has been mentioned before as a time limit by which the OHR would cease to operate and the main mediatory role would be taken over by a European Union Special Representative with reduced powers.
The fate of the OHR will be decided by the PIC at a meeting due to take place at the end of February.
The Russian ambassador said that his country was ready for a constructive exchange of views on the future of the OHR with its partners from the international community in order to reach full consensus on the matter.
The High Representative stood by his opinion that the OHR should continue its work beyond June 30.
According to the Banja Luka-based daily Nezavisne Novine of Thursday, acts by Bosnian Serb Prime Minister Milorad Dodik have largely contributed to the recommendation that the OHR should stay in place.
Schwarz-Schilling told the newspaper in an interview that Dodik was no doubt a capable politician but that he was also "playing with fire" because he was not properly responding to warnings addressed to him.
"Dodik has to a large extent contributed to the assessment and present position of the international community that the operation of the OHR must continue," Schwarz-Schilling said.