Hague raises concerns about Balkans
13/08/2009
The former Tory leader William Hague has warned that the political situation in the Balkans remains uncertain.
Speaking to the Independent, Mr Hague expressed fears that Bosnia is still facing ethnic division and that violence could return to the former Yugoslav republic.
"The atmosphere is grim and it is very difficult for the refugees who lost all their menfolk to move back there – it's a rather unwelcoming atmosphere," said Mr Hague, who has just returned from a trip to the region.
"Politically, around them, their country is sliding backwards and further apart."
He stressed that it was unlikely that a civil war would break out but called for the US government to become more involved in the country's future as well as ensuring that UN troops remain in order to ensure a long-term return to stability.
The EU recently agreed to provide significant financial support to Bosnia to help offset the impact of the global economic downturn.
Written by Clare Devlin. 
