Republika Srpska Halt Contact with Envoy Over Insults

BELGRADE - The Serbian republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has severed all ties with the international envoy to the Balkan state over his controversial remark about a national holiday.

Over 99 percent voted in Republika Srpska's referendum last September to mark the date of its creation on January 2, 1992 as a national holiday, in a move ruled illegal by Bosnia's top court.

The high representative for BiH said the vote could inspire others to celebrate their national days, such as the creation of the Nazi Germany's puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia.

"Until apologies are made, the government of Republika Srpska will end all communication and all ties with the High Representative for BiH, Valentin Inzko, and the Office of the High Representative," the Serbian-run cabinet in the republic was quoted by the RTRS broadcaster as saying on Thursday.

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