US is working with its partners in the European Union on making sure there are consequences for any illegal and destabilising actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar said on Thursday during the discussion on US engagement in the Western Balkans held before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Answering to congresswoman Ann Wagner on topic of secessionist intentions by Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency, and his obstructions of work of the state institutions, Escobar sad that Washington sees Bosnia and Herzegovina “succeeding only as a multi-ethnic, inclusive and democratic country.”

“The efforts by any entity (Republika Srpska and Federation BiH) to unilaterally withdraw from central institutions is dangerous and reckless,” said Escobar

He added that the US is working with its European partners, NATO, the Office of the High Representative and the EU military deployment in BiH (EUFOR) to “ensure that none of this comes to pass.”

Asked why Dodik, who is under US sanctions for obstructing the Dayton Peace Agreement, is also not under the EU sanctions, Escobar replied that the US is working with the EU to “make sure there are consequences for any illegal or any destabilising actions.”

The envoy announced he would be travelling to the region in November to “reinforce that message” and would brief the Committee upon his return from the region.