BOSNIA WILL ANALYSE CONTENT OF LATEST CROATIAN OIL TRANSIT DECREE

SARAJEVO, Jan 24 (Hina) - The decision of the Bosnian Council of Ministers on a temporary restriction of the import of oil and oil products from Croatia by road remains in force until the Sarajevo authorities have thoroughly analysed the Croatian government's latest decree on changes to the rule book on the transport of hazardous matter. Bosnia's Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Minister Azra Hadziahmetovic confirmed on Thursday the Council of Ministers had been notified about the Croatian decree which, among, else, establishes the border crossings and corridors whereby oil for Bosnia may be transported. The Council of Ministers concluded the latest decree practically eliminated the previous discriminating one which treated oil in transit differently from that manufactured in or exported directly from Croatia, said the minister. Hadziahmetovic added the Council of Ministers applauded the Croatian government's efforts to find a solution to the oil transit dispute. The Sarajevo authorities are very interested in finding a joint solution which will effectively prevent the smuggling of oil, she said. The Bosnian Council of Ministers decided against introducing a permanent ban on the import of oil from Croatia which was to go into force on Jan. 27. The temporary restriction does not apply to the transport of oil and oil products for NATO's peacekeepers in Bosnia. Hadziahmetovic announced the Council of Ministers would analyse all the repercussions the Croatian decree had on Bosnia's economy. She added the talks with the Croatian side would also address models of transporting oil for Bosnia via the southern Croatian seaport of Ploce. (hina) ha