REPLACEMENTS IN FEDERATION ARMY DUE TO DELAYED INTEGRATION?

SARAJEVO, May 15 (Hina) - The US Government will insist on the replacement of all Croat officials and high-ranking officers of the Army of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina who are opposing the army's integration, the Sarajevo-based daily 'Vecernje novine' reported on Monday. According to the daily, the United States believes Defence Minister Miroslav Prce, Deputy Commander General Dragan Curcic and generals Zeljko Glasnovic and Zlatan Mijo Jelic are most responsible for delays in the establishment of a single federation army. The daily reminds that the obstruction of the integration of Federation Army structures is the main reason fir the suspension of the "Equip and Train" programme for the Croat component. After more than four years since the signing of the Dayton agreement, the Bosniak and Croat sides have completely different views regarding the integration of federal defence structures. The Bosniak side wants joint structures on all levels, including military units. The Croat side wants integration processes only on the level of the Defence Ministry and the Joint Command, whereas all units would be separated. According to 'Vecernje novine', Croat officials were warned that the situation was unsustainable a month ago, however, the warning was not taken seriously and on May 12 assistance in training and equipment for the Croat component was suspended. This measure will not be applied to the Bosniak component. (hina) jn rml