OHR: HEADLINES ON REFERENDUM OF BH CROATS ONLY A FEELER

MOSTAR, June 6 (Hina) - The Office of the High Representative in Mostar said on Wednesday announcements regarding the organisation of a referendum on the establishment of a Croat federal unit in Bosnia-Herzegovina were merely media headlines aimed at testing the public opinion. Quoting senior officials of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Tuesday and Wednesday issues of the Zagreb- based daily Vecernji List announced a referendum of Bosnian Croats which would prompt the new territorial set-up of the country. OHR spokeswoman Avis Benes said the story about the referendum was similar to last year's one and stressed there could be no discussion about issues which were contrary to the Dayton peace agreement. She added the referendum and the Croat federal unit were mentioned only in media headlines. Benes expected HDZ deputies to take their seats in parliament and work constructively to the benefit of the country. The OHR and the HDZ have been conducting talks in absolute discretion for almost two months. From what reporters can read into statements by some high officials, the two sides are discussing a permanent election law and constitutional changes in the country. (hina) sb rml