Kosovo crisis to spill to Bosnia?

As the Kosovo Albanians prepare to declare independence, the situation in the Republic of Srpska, RS, is also heating up. Along with the announcement that a referendum for secession from Bosnia-Herzegovina will be asked for, the association of non-governmental organizations stated that if Brussels recognizes Kosovo, the Republic of Srpska would ask for independence as well. Kosovo crisis to spill to Bosnia? The government has yet to give genuine assurances that it will be able to keep things under control, observers say. RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said recently that if Kosovo's independence is proclaimed, “various ideas can develop elsewhere as well,” adding that the institutions in the Republic of Srpska are following the Kosovo situation closely. Dodik said that the Republic of Srpska will not recognize Kosovo independence and that it will make sure through its representative that Bosnia-Herzegovina does the same. Just days after talks of an eventual referendum for the independence of the Republic of Srpska, the association of non-government organizations SPONA has taken it one step further. If any of the countries of the former Yugoslavia recognize Kosovo, the organization will ask for the 52 authorities passed over the the level of Bosnia-Herzegovina be given back to the Republic of Srpska. If the European Union recognizes Kosovo independence, SPONA official Branislav Dukic said that the organization will make radical demands. Dodik said that if Kosovo is granted independence, there will be room made for similar political ideas and does not see SPONA's demands as surprising. Republic of Srpska will not recognize Kosovo, but it will work on maintaining peace and security, Dodik said. Though tensions tied to Kosovo's looming declaration of independence are evident, there has yet to be any announcements of planned protests. There have been some calls for protest however, though in the circle of Banja Luka's student population, many are questioning the background of such initiatives. Leaders of the student union claim that the public calls to students are being made by people "who can in no case be deemed their legitimate representatives." But the planned protest in the Bosnian Serb entity are likely to be led by the NGO sector there.

Kosovo crisis to spill to Bosnia?

The government has yet to give genuine assurances that it will be able to keep things under control, observers say.

RS Prime Minister Milorad Dodik said recently that if Kosovo's independence is proclaimed, “various ideas can develop elsewhere as well,” adding that the institutions in the Republic of Srpska are following the Kosovo situation closely.

Dodik said that the Republic of Srpska will not recognize Kosovo independence and that it will make sure through its representative that Bosnia-Herzegovina does the same.

Just days after talks of an eventual referendum for the independence of the Republic of Srpska, the association of non-government organizations SPONA has taken it one step further.

If any of the countries of the former Yugoslavia recognize Kosovo, the organization will ask for the 52 authorities passed over the the level of Bosnia-Herzegovina be given back to the Republic of Srpska.

If the European Union recognizes Kosovo independence, SPONA official Branislav Dukić said that the organization will make radical demands.

Dodik said that if Kosovo is granted independence, there will be room made for similar political ideas and does not see SPONA's demands as surprising.

Republic of Srpska will not recognize Kosovo, but it will work on maintaining peace and security, Dodik said.

Though tensions tied to Kosovo's looming declaration of independence are evident, there has yet to be any announcements of planned protests.

There have been some calls for protest however, though in the circle of Banja Luka's student population, many are questioning the background of such initiatives.

Leaders of the student union claim that the public calls to students are being made by people "who can in no case be deemed their legitimate representatives."

But the planned protest in the Bosnian Serb entity are likely to be led by the NGO sector there.