New Bosnian presidency takes office

Nov 10, 2010, 15:03 GMT

   Sarajevo - Bosnia's new presidency, made up of a representative from each of the country's three main ethnic groups, was sworn in on Wednesday, one month after general elections.

   The Serb and Croat representatives, Nebojsa Radmanovic and Zeljko Komsic, have already served one four-year term. Muslim Bakir Izetbegovic is a new member, having defeated Haris Silajdzic in the poll.

   Ethnic representatives rotate to head the presidency every eight months.

   Bosnia has been split along ethnic lines since 1995 under an agreement to end the war there. A complex governing system was introduced, with ethnic communities holding broad authorities.

   Under the existing system, each community can block any legislation. Amid mutual mistrust and bickering, the arrangement has paralyzed reforms required for the country's European integration.

   Ethnic leaders, particularly Serbs, have rejected reforms the European Union and United States have recommended to strengthen Bosnia's central institutions and turn it into an efficient state.