Russian Embassy in Bosnia warns destabilisation there

Russia's embassy in Bosnia has criticised on Wednesday the suspension of Bosnian Serb law for ownership and has warned of possible destabilisation in the tense Balkan country unless the decision by international officials withdraws, writes the Associated Press, Periscope follows.

The embassy in a news release published by the media reiterated that Moscow does not recognise German diplomat Christian Schmidt as chief of the United Nations Office of High Representatives in Bosnia and considers his actions illegal.

Russia's comments highlight disputes with the West over policies in the unstable Balkans, the region where Moscow tries to boost its historic role. With the war raging in Ukraine, fears have increased for a tension in the Balkans as well.

Schmidt on Tuesday suspended the law that semi-autonomous Serb-Bosnian regions had adopted in February and which says ownership used by local public authorities belongs to Republika Srpska's entity.

Schmidt in his announcement said only the Bosnian state can fix property issues and has called for dialogue across Bosnia to resolve the dispute. Bosnian Serb leaders have rejected his decision.

The law is seen as part of Serbia's effort in Bosnia to gain as much independence as possible.