Brussels, 15/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The decision by the Republika Srpska (RS) to hold a referendum on abolishing the centralised legal system in Bosnia Herzegovina is of great concern to the EU. The idea of a referendum to ask people about the legality of the central justice system comes from the president of RS, Milorad Dodik. “I am very concerned about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision adopted yesterday by the Republika Srpska National Assembly has been a step in the wrong direction”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton in a statement, adding: “Such unilateral steps are not bringing solutions for the country to move forward. Only mutually agreed reforms provide for much wanted and needed progress.” The referendum would only be held in Republika Srpska and voters would also be asked whether they back all the other decisions made by the international community and introduced in Bosnia since the end of the 1992-95 war in order to strengthen the country's weak centralised bodies. “The EU believes in the importance of an effective and independent judiciary, which is a key element for EU accession. The EU therefore supports the work of the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the State Prosecutor's Office and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council,' added Catherine Ashton. Rather than undermining the existing institutions, the political leaders of the country should engage in constructive political dialogue that is open to all concerned and should introduce the reforms needed to help Bosnia move closer to European integration, she explained. (H.B./transl.fl)