Russia Lends Full Backing to Bosnian Serb Referendum

In a clear sign of support for the controversial Bosnian Serb referendum on their national day, Russia's ambassador to Bosnia, Petar Ivancov, held a series of meetings with Republika Srpska leaders on Monday.

"Our position is very clear. We believe the people of Republika Srpska have the right to declare themselves on vital issues," Ivancov said after meeting the RS President, Milorad Dodik.

Ivancov supported the referendum although Bosnia's Constitutional Court outlawed it on Saturday, and the EU and US repeatedly condemned it.

His statements were seen as a rebuke to Serbia's leadership, which has denied support for the referendum, as well as a indication of the growing differences between Russia and Serbia.

Russia, traditionally close to Serbia, has become critical of the Serbian government's pro-Western attitudes. At the same time, Russia has grown closer to the RS leadership, which has repeatedly challenged Western officials with its radical positions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Dodik on Thursday, to discuss economic and political issues, including the controversial referendum.

The referendum is being organized in support of the RS National Day on January 9, which the state Constitutional Court last year ruled was discriminatory against non-Serbs and thus against the constitution.

After meeting Ivancov, Dodik called on all the citizens of Republika Srpska to come out and vote on September 25. "There will be no giving up on the referendum," Dodik said.

He expressed his gratitude for Russia's "unambiguous" support for the RS government's intentions.

Almost at the same time that Ivancov was meeting RS officials in the RS administrative centre of Banja Luka on Monday, the RS office in...