OHR: THERE IS NOT A SINGLE ISSUE IN BOSNIA THAT IS KOSOVO-RELATED

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (February 13,2008) – Bosnia is not and cannot be a hostage to Kosovo and any kinds of attempts of bringing the future of Kosovo in relation with the future of Bosnia need to be rejected, the Office of the International Community's High Representative in Bosnia (OHR) Spokesperson Frane Maroevic stated at a press conference in the Bosnian capital yesterday.

Commenting the opinions that negative consequences may arise after the Kosovo independence proclamation, Maroevic stated that, psychologically, the Kosovo issue may influence the political atmosphere in the entire region. However, he added that there is not a single issue related to Bosnia that is Kosovo-related.

”Legally, there is not a single way to organize a referendum on separation of any part of Bosnia and such demands are without grounds. Kosovo and Bosnia are two completely different issues”, Maroevic said.

The European Union Force in Bosnia (EUFOR) Spokesperson David Fiedler stated that the EUFOR has been monitoring the political and security situation in the country. He added that there are plans of actions for any situation that may arise in Bosnia and that there is a possibility of increasing the number of troops at the Bosnian borders.