HDZ BIH WELCOMES ASHDOWN'S STANDS

MOSTAR, May 29 (Hina) - The acting president of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia-Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), Barisa Colak, welcomed on Wednesday High Representative Paddy Ashdown's statement that the country would soon witness a crackdown on corruption and crime and that he would not allow any constitutional changes that would threaten the status of Bosnian Croats. #L# "The HDZ BiH as one of the leading parties in Bosnia-Herzegovina wants to take over its share of responsibility for the future of Bosnia-Herzegovina, its peoples and all citizens. We particularly welcome your stand that the Dayton agreement is 'the foundation' but not 'the roof' of our state and that you will not allow constitutional changes that would jeopardise the identity or safety of any constituent nation in Bosnia-Herzegovina," reads the first open letter of the party's acting president to Ashdown since his taking over the office of High Representative. Colak claims that the unequal constitutional status of Bosnian Croats caused "misunderstandings" between the HDZ BiH and the international community and expects that the relationship will change now that Ashdown has taken over the office of High Representative. (hina) rml sb