Listen to the news

Russia's embassy in Bosnia has criticized the repeal of the Bosnian Serb property law and warned of potential destabilization if the decision of the international community's High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, is not overturned, the Associated Press reported.

A statement from the embassy, ​​quoted by local media, reiterated that Moscow did not recognize German diplomat Christian Schmidt as the international community's high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and considered his decisions illegitimate.

Russia's comments outline a dispute with the West over policy in the volatile region, where Moscow is seeking to increase its historical influence.

Against the background of the war in Ukraine, fears of rising tensions in the Balkans are growing, the AP notes.

Yesterday, Schmidt annulled a law passed by Republika Srpska in February aimed at allowing it to take over state-owned property on its territory.

The law was seen as part of Bosnia's efforts in Bosnia to gain as much independence as possible.

Republika Srpska: There is a threat to the security of Milorad Dodik and his family

Bosnia is made up of the Republika Srpska, populated mainly by Bosnian Serbs, and the Croat-Muslim Federation, which is populated mainly by Bosnian Croats and Muslims.

The two parts together have common central institutions aimed at maintaining the country's integrity after the 1992-95 war.

In announcing his decision, Schmidt said only central Bosnian institutions could regulate property issues, and called for dialogue in Bosnia to resolve the dispute.

Bosnian Serb leaders rejected the decision.

The US embassy said the international community had "no choice but to act" after Bosnian Serb leaders refused to "engage constructively" in resolving the issue and instead took "unconstitutional, unilateral action".

Russia supports Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who has been sanctioned by the United States and Britain for undermining the 1995 Bosnian peace deal, which ended a war that killed 100,000 people and left millions homeless.

Dodik, a member of Bosnia's multiethnic presidency, has repeatedly called for the separation of Serbs from the rest of Bosnia.

In a statement, the Russian embassy in Bosnia warned of Schmidt's actions and sanctions, saying "all responsibility for possible destabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina lies entirely with the international community."

The High Representative of the International Community in Bosnia has the power to repeal laws and replace officials believed to be in violation of the US-brokered peace agreement.

The agreement also created a multinational council that monitors peace, and in that council Russia often opposes Western action, the AP notes.