CRO-BOSNIAN EXPERTS CONVENE IN MOSTAR TO DISCUSS BORDERS

MOSTAR, Feb 15 (Hina) - A mixed group of experts in charge of determining the borderline between Croatia and Bosnia on Monday convened in the southern Bosnian town of Mostar. The experts are to agree on the methodology to be used in determining the borderline, compare maps, and set deadlines for gathering documentation relating to disputed border issues. The head of the Croatian delegation, Mladen Klemencic, told reporters ahead of the two-day meeting the parties would try to agree on the many technical difficulties extant in the comparison of the maps submitted by both countries. Klemencic said he did not expect any major disputes, and added disputed border issues such as Martin Brod, would not be tackled on this occasion. "Those are component parts of the borderline, and this is an expert group which will not make political problems," he explained. The head of the Bosnian delegation, Ilija Lukic, told reporters a technical check-up would be carried out in case of major differences in the proposed maps. He said the expert group would use land registers, the 1991 census, and all documentation containing archive evidence on borders. Asked about the sea border near Neum, Lukic said the Croatian and Bosnian delegations differed in their views. The matter would be discussed on Tuesday, he said. (hina) ha