Serb region votes to transfer powers in threat to Bosnia peace treaty

Budapest The parliament of the Serb part of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, decided on Friday to transfer powers away from state level, in a move that threatens to stoke conflict. Bosnian media reported that the regional legislature voted to strip the state of competencies in the areas of taxation, justice, and security and defence, despite the international community warning against such a move. Milorad Dodik, head of the SNDS party and a Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, was the driving force behind the initiative. It is not yet clear whether he will follow through on plans to create a separate army for the Republika Srpska. The opposition boycotted the vote in the Banja Luka parliament almost entirely. Nevertheless, the proposal by Dodik’s party won a clear majority with 49 votes in favour. Dodik announced that within six months he would initiate legislation to reorganize the areas for which the central state no longer has jurisdiction. (dpa)