KOSOVO CRISIS WILL NOT DIVERT ATTENTION FROM DAYTON ACCORDS

SARAJEVO, March 26 (Hina) - The crisis caused by the Kosovo conflict will not divert attention of the international community from the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement, US Ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina Richard Kauzlarich stated on Friday. In an interview with today's issue of the Sarajevo daily "Dnevni avaz", Kauzlarich said the situation in the region had never been more serious, but all those who should attempt to use the Kosovo crisis for reversing the peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina should know that it would not be tolerated. This especially refers to hard-liners in the Bosnian Serb entity, Kauzlarich said, adding that Milorad Dodik and the "Sloga" coalition would remain partners of the international community as long as they were committed to implementing the peace agreement. The US administration is deeply worried about the recent attempt at the life of a deputy interior minister of the Federation of Bosnia- Herzegovina, Jozo Leutar, Kauzlarich said. However, the decision of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) of BH to boycott the work in the joint bodies of authority is very bad, he said also criticising the Bosniak (Muslim) side for being slow and irresolute in its reaction to the incident. (hina) rml