U.S. calls for probe into banned Bosnian Serb commemoration

People hold Serbian and Republika Srpska flags during parade celebrations to mark their autonomous Serb Republic's national holiday, in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, January 9, 2022. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday urged Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to investigate reports that banned ceremonies by the Serb Republic last weekend glorified war criminals and targeted returnees to towns from which non-Serbs were expelled.

"We urge competent authorities to investigate these incidents without delay and to hold the responsible individuals accountable," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.