MINISTER GRANIC MEETS HIGH REPRESENTATIVE WESTENDORP

ZAGREB, April 19 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on Monday received the international High Representative for the implementation of the civil segment of the Dayton peace agreement in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Carlos Westendorp. Granic and Westendorp exchanged views as regards the current status of the implementation process, and the situation in the Croat- Muslim Federation, the Foreign Ministry reported. The two officials also discussed the ratification of the Agreement on Special Relations between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia- Herzegovina, and the need for continuing the work on annexes to the agreement, so that they be concluded as soon as possible. Granic offered assurances that Croatia would continue to support the implementation of the BH peace agreements. It was also agreed that one should start working together in strengthening the feeling of safety and real equality of the Croat people in the Federation. Granic informed Westendorp of problems regarding the opening of the Croatian consulate in Banja Luka, in the Bosnian Serb entity. The two officials supported the work of a mixed diplomatic commission for borders, stressed the need for accelerating talks on a trade agreement between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and bilateral regulation of pension insurance issues. (hina) rml