Diplomats fear that unless more refugees manage to return to areas controlled by other ethnic groups this year, the ethnic partition could be irreversible.

They added that would lead to ethnic partition, and turn Macedonia into a western protectorate.

Their goal, and that of the Bosnian government, is to reassert themselves throughout the country, blocking its permanent ethnic partition.

They have always favored a settlement based on ethnic partition.

For months now, however clothed, it has been to accept the ethnic partition of Bosnia.

Now, it is suddenly bent on sponsoring Bosnia's ethnic partition.

Critics say they will only give legitimacy to Bosnia's ethnic partition.

Moreover, since refugees can vote as residents of their original communities, elections can help prevent an ethnic partition.

The most likely last act, it seems, will be the final ethnic partition of Bosnia - after a decent interval.

The Council will never accept the ethnic partition of Bosnia and Herzegovina.