United States Vice President Joe Biden has warned Bosnia-Herzegovina about the consequences of not introducing reforms. Speaking to the Bosnian parliament, he said the country was at risk of an ethnic conflict which could be as bad as that of the 1990s. Mr Biden believes Bosnia should concentrate on trying to heal ethnic divisions and becoming a member of the European Union.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is divided into two semi-autonomous entities, a Serbian region and a Muslim-Croat region. Both regions pursue their own policies and the central government in Sarajevo is powerless to impose its will on the country as a whole.

Vice President Biden is expected in Belgrade today at a time when Serbian relations with the United States are difficult. Serbia is still angry at US recognition of Kosovo's independence. Mr Biden is also going to visit Kosovo.