"Even Serbia and Russia wouldn't recognize RS"

"Even Serbia and Russia wouldn't recognize RS"

VIENNA -- Chairman of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency Mladen Ivanic says he is confident that "not even Serbia would not recognize the possible independence of the RS."

Ivanic, whose party is in opposition in the Serb entity (Serb Republic; Republika Srpska; RS) in Bosnia, also told the Austrian daily Standard that he believes Bosnia's admission to the EU could happen no sooner than in 20 years' time.

When asked about the Serb Republic's "aspirations for independence," he said that the president of the entity, Milorad Dodik, "used it to consolidate his power," while "the first country that would not recognize it, at least in the coming years, is Serbia."

According to Ivanic, this is because "otherwise, Belgrade would have to say that Kosovo's independence is a reality."

Ivanic expressed his doubt that even Russia would have an interest to support the independence of the RS.

At the same time he was quoted as stressing that he does not believe that "emotional ties with Serbia" have a negative impacts on Bosnia.

"We believe that our ethnic roots are there," said he, and continued: "What's the problem with that. I also think it's fair stance that Serbia 'loves the RS, but accepts the existence and integrity of the Dayton Bosnia."

Ivanic is convinced that Bosnia's Council of Ministers will be established during the first days of February and that in March and April this body "could solve the problems related to the road towards the EU."

Asked when he thought Bosnia would join the EU, he said: "Not in 10 years, but maybe in 15, that is, I hope in 20."

He then said that "controversial subjects should be...