ANNAN:MULTI-ETHNIC SOCIETY MUST BE FORTIFIED IN BOSNIA AND KOSOVO

SARAJEVO, Oct 12 (Hina) - At the end of his two-day visit to Bosnia- Herzegovina, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan assessed that considerable development had been made in that country in the last four years regarding the reconstruction and stabilisation of peace. Annan also called for intensification of efforts aimed at strengthening multi-ethnic and a tolerant society. UN Secretary-General told a news conference on Tuesday afternoon that in Bosnia there was more dialogue between different multi- ethnic groups today than before. The renewal of multi-ethnic society where understanding exists for differences should remain a permanent goal, he added. Annan said that during his talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina's officials he had told them that they had to strengthen joint institutions and establish the rule of law that can guarantee the equal protection for everybody. He greeted the willingness of Bosnian authorities to offer deployment of Bosnian soldiers and officers in UN peace missions, both civilian and military ones. When Bosnia-Herzegovina is ready, we shall accept such participation, UN Secretary General told reporters in Sarajevo adding it would be one of objectives on which the World Organisation's mission in Bosnia, led by American diplomat Jacques Klein, would continue to work. Asked about the UN engagement in Kosovo and about the situation in that area, Annan expressed deep concern at the continuation of violence, particularly of such acts that are caused by revenge. He also voiced regret at the killing of a UN mission worker who died in Pristina on Monday. Annan reiterated his concern at the grave humanitarian situation in Serbia adding that about 700,000 refugees are currently in that country who need aid ahead of the coming winter. (hina) jn ms