Sat, Jul 04 2009

Kosovo spurs secessionist talks in Republic of Srpska in Bosnia

Mon, Feb 18 2008 14:11 CET byElena Koinova 406 Views

Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence could spark similar moves in another former Yugoslav republic, with secessionist feeling on the rise in Bosnia's Republic of Srpska (RS), Serbian radio station B92 reported.

Just days before Kosovo made its declaration, an association of non-governmental organisations, SPONA, declared that Kosovo's independence would be treated as a green light for RS to follow suit.

SPONA would call for the transfer of control over local government from Bosnia and Herzegovina to RS itself as a prelude to secession. SPONA official Branislav Dukić told B92 that the organisation "will make radical demands," if Kosovo headed for independence.

In a statement carried by B92, RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said that Kosovo's independence was natural to "spur various ideas elsewhere" and SPONA's statements surprise no one.

Dodik reiterated Bosnia-Herzegovina would not recognise Kosovo, but would join peacekeeping efforts in the region.

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