The top international official in Bosnia says he has suspended a new law adopted by the Serb regional parliament giving itself rights to federal property, such as administrative buildings, in its territory.

Since the 1992-95 war, Bosnia has been divided into two regions under a weak federal government, with roughly half of the country made up of Bosniaks and Croats, and a Serb republic comprising the other half.

Inzko said in a statement Wednesday that authorities in both regions may not take any action until the country’s Constitutional Court decides who has ownership rights.

Inzko has broad administrative powers but is often thwarted in his effort to create a strong central government by defiance from regional governments. The Serbs say they do not intend to follow his orders.

January 05, 2011
Associated Press

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