BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY ACCEPTS DEAL WITH U.S.

SARAJEVO, May 14 (Hina) - The Bosnian Presidency on Wednesday accepted a draft deal with the United States on the non-extradition of American citizens to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and forwarded it to the country's Council of Ministers for a vote. #L# Presidency member Dragan Covic told reporters in Sarajevo that the adjustment of the agreement by Bosnian and American authorities had begun in March and was completed last night. The initial proposal by the Bosnian side was that immunity before the ICC be guaranteed to those U.S. citizens who participate in the peace mission in Bosnia, Covic said. The provisions on immunity were extended, at the insisting of the American side, to people who are not citizens of the United States, but are involved in missions in Bosnia sponsored by the U.S. government. Covic believes that the signing of the treaty on the non- extradition of American citizens to the ICC will not harm relations between Sarajevo and the European Union. "We believe that we will find a solution which will satisfy provisions from the Dayton Agreement which also guarantee immunity of people involved in peace operations in Bosnia," he said. The accord may come into force only after being ratified by the Bosnian parliament. As with all other countries, America has given Bosnia until July 1 to conclude the deal. Otherwise, it will cut off its military aid to Bosnia. (hina) lml