Palmer: Dodik's position dangerous; Monetnegro has law similar to other states

In an interview with the Voice of America, Palmer said that Bosnia cannot afford itself to go from one crisis to another, but that it seems its leaders intend to do just that.

The US envoy accused Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik of causing one crisis after another, arguing that this can be seen in his positions and statements regarding the Constitutional Court and the top judicial institution in the country, in charge of appointing and disciplining judges – the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC).

These threats are taken seriously, Palmer said.

He also commented on the situation in Montenegro, saying the Law on Religious Freedom was in line with Montenegro's obligation as a candidate country for the European Union membership and that many European states had similar laws.

"We understand the concerns expressed by the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), and it is important that the (Montenegro's) Government and SPC talk about it, to calm down the tensions and eliminate the risk from violence in the streets," he told VOA.

He added that the Russian saw this law as a weak point which could be used to make strife between Serbia and Montenegro and increase tensions.

Montenegro's Government adopted the Law on Religious Freedom which SPC and the Serbs in the coastal republic saw as the way to take over the church's property. It caused protests and religious procession that were going on for almost three months.