Secessionist fantasies put hurdles in Bosnia's EU path: German foreign minister

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - "Secessionist fantasies" in Bosnia and Herzegovina only put hurdles in the way of the country's possible European Union membership, said Germany's foreign minister on Tuesday, paying an official visit to the Balkan country.

“The greatest poison for humanity is to change borders by force. Secessionist fantasies put obstacles in the way towards the EU. I call on those responsible in Banja Luka to walk this path together and as one,” Annalena Baerbock told a joint press conference with Bosnia's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic in the capital Sarajevo.

She added: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crucial crossroads on its way towards EU. We want to walk the path together. Reform meter by reform meter must be covered consistently and swiftly."

“Germany has been topping the list of Bosnia's most important economic partners for years,” said Konakovic, adding that Germany's support for Bosnia's European path means a great deal at this moment of history.

Asked by a reporter about Russian influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Konakovic said his country buys nothing from Russia besides gas.

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has raised tensions in the Balkan country by publicly declaring his intention to secede Republika Srpska from Bosnia and Herzegovia, which declared independence in 1992, made up of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.

Dodik also threatened to arrest a top international official overseeing peace in Bosnia if he enters the Serb-controlled regions in the Balkan state.

The US and Great Britain have both imposed sanctions on Dodik.