On Monday 10 January the spokesperson for the European External Action Service on behalf of the EU strongly condemned “the negative, divisive and inflammatory rhetoric used by Republika Srpska (RS) leaders” during the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of a ‘Republic of Bosnian Serbs’ on 9 January 1992.
“Such rhetoric and actions have further heightened the tensions among communities throughout the country and are further escalating the ongoing political crisis,” the spokesperson denounced in a statement, adding that this was “in complete contradiction” with the country's EU perspective.
“We therefore urge all leaders, including the leadership of Republika Srpska, to bring unacceptable divisive steps to an end and return in full to the work of State institutions”, he said. According to the spokesperson, the EU is “committed to facilitating a dialogue that would contribute to removing obstacles to real progress on BiH’s European path”.
The spokesperson further warned that, should the situation continue to deteriorate, the EU disposed of a wide toolbox, “including the existing EU sanctions framework, and a review of the overall EU assistance”. However, Hungary has already warned that it will oppose sanctions against Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik (see EUROPE 12839/13). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)