TURKEY WILL CONTINUE SUPPORTING BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA - DEMIREL

SARAJEVO, Dec 6 (Hina) - Turkish President Suleyman Demirel on Monday promised his country's full support in the process of strengthening peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina and called for the implementation of the Dayton Accords. The Turkish president arrived for a two-day visit in Sarajevo on Monday, accompanied by numerous state officials and some 50 business people. Demirel and the Muslim member of the Bosnia- Herzegovina Presidency, Alija Izetbegovic, today signed a protocol on cultural cooperation. Turkey has been providing political and financial support for Bosnia-Herzegovina for a long time, Demirel said, adding 1,300 Turkish soldiers within the Stabilisation Force were taking part in preserving peace in the country. "We will support all efforts aimed at preserving and strengthening the state of Bosnia-Herzegovina", Demirel told reporters, adding there was no alternative to the Dayton agreement. The Chairman of the BH Presidency, Ante Jelavic, said the Turkish president had been informed in detail about obstacles to the process of implementation of the Dayton agreement and the establishment of a multiethnic state. "We especially addressed the operation of joint state institutions and problems in the process of refugee return", Jelavic said. (hina) rml