Bosnian Defence Minister Zukan Helez told Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to forget about the secession of Republika Srpska entity from Bosnia and Herzegovina, because that would lead to a war.

“There is no bigger war than Dodik's step towards secession. It is a declaration of war,” said the minister, inviting Dodik to quit this idea and start working together with others in the country.

According to Helez, if such scenario happens, the people in Republika Srpska would suffer the most.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a serious, recognised country. Anyone who does not want to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have to”, Helez told local media outlet, Face TV.

He also rhetorically asked who would recognise the secession, and assessed it all like a children's game.

As for the alleged arming of Serbs and the threat it might pose for the Bosniak returnees, he said he had no official information from the police agencies of any of that.

“I know what to do if there is a problem. I have to protect the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is written in the Law on Defense,” he underlined.