IZETBEGOVIC AGAINST VOTING FOR CRO ELECTIONS AT 15 LOCATIONS IN BH

SARAJEVO , Dec 21 (Hina) - Bosnian Presidency Muslim member Alija Izetbegovic has objected to a decision under which voting for impending Croatian parliamentary elections should take place in 15 Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices, and demands that polling stations be opened only in Sarajevo, Mostar, Tuzla, Bihac, and Banja Luka. A statement from Izetbegovic's Office, which Sarajevo-based daily Dnevni Avaz published on Tuesday, reminds the Croatian Foreign Ministry has appealed to Bosnian authorities for permission for voting in embassies, consulates, and consular offices. In debating the matter, Izetbegovic insisted on having ballot- casting take place in an embassy and four general consulates. Izetbegovic says in the statement it was pointed out during the debate that several other contentious issues regarding dual, Croatian-Bosnian citizenship should be resolved, but claims Croatia has not shown willingness to do so despite repeated initiatives on the Bosnian part. Izetbegovic accused Bosnian Presidency chairman, Croat Ante Jelavic, of arbitrarily informing Croatian authorities that voting was allowed on an undetermined number of locations in Bosnia. "We subsequently learned of the alleged decision of the OHR (Office of the High Representative) and the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) to agree that voting take place on 15 locations. We consider this practice counter-constitutional. It jeopardises the sovereignty and international position of Bosnia- Herzegovina," says Izetbegovic's statement. He also points out Croatian citizens from Bosnia cannot have Diaspora status since they fully enjoy the position of an equal and constituent people in Bosnia. Izetbegovic further states the Muslim side will consider voting outside the five diplomatic and consular missions illegal, and urged international organisations to take the same position. (hina) ha