1998 - DECISIVE YEAR FOR PEACE IN BOSNIA - IZETBEGOVIC

( Editorial: --> 1926 ) SARAJEVO, Jan 1 (Hina) - The arrival of the New Year in Sarajevo was accompanied by fireworks as well as shots from all types of weapons, which reminded the capital's residents of the past war years. Sarajevo Canton authorities organised the first post-war New Year fireworks, but their colours and sound could not drown out the noise made by numerous firearms. According to hospital reports, no one got injured. In his New Year message broadcast by radio and television, the chairman of the Bosnian Presidency, Alija Izetbegovic, said 1998 would be a decisive year in building peace. "I want it to be a new beginning in overcoming divides and in building trust among the peoples, without which there is no future. It is our debt to our children", said Izetbegovic. The international High Commissioner for the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement, Carlos Westendorp, also gave a New Year message, broadcast by television. Considerable progress has been made last year in strengthening peace, Westendorp said, but added the destiny of Bosnia- Herzegovina lay in the hands of its citizens. In a September 1998 election, voters will be able to remove all political leaders who stand in the way of fulfilling the wish of common people to live in peace and prosperity, said the High Representative. The European Union awaits for Bosnia-Herzegovina with open arms, he said, but added Bosnia must strive to meet preconditions necessary for that to happen, Westendorp concluded. (hina) ha 011723 MET jan 98