CRO DEFENCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY US STATE SECRETARY ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT

STATEMENT ( Editorial: --> 8515 ) WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Hina) - After talks between Croatian Defence Minister Gojko Susak and Deputy US Secretary of State Strobe Talbott in Washington on Friday, the State Department issued a joint statement on the talks. The following is the text of the statement in full: "Acting Secretary Talbott and Minister of Defence Susak discussed today the entire range of bilateral issues and shared concerns, including the Bosnian people process. Recognising that Croatia's place lies in the Euro-Atlantic community, Talbott reaffirmed that the US is prepared to support Croatia's deeper integration with that community, including membership in the Partnership for Peace at an appropriate time. Susak stressed that Croatia will remain committed to ensuring respect for the highest standards of human rights in eastern Slavonia following the end of the mandate of the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia (UNTAES). Talbott and Susak agreed that this region will remain a priority. Talbott welcomed the Croatian government's invitation to extend the UN civilian police monitoring mission in eastern Slavonia, Susak reaffirmed the Croatian government's commitment to encourage national reconciliation and facilitate the safe and orderly return of all displaced persons and refugees to their homes in Croatia as soon as possible. Talbott and Susak agreed that the appropriate Croatian government authorities will publicly clarify by March 15 procedures by which all displaced persons and refugees from Croatia can promptly obtain Croatian citizenship documentation and will announce by March 30 plans for nationwide returns. Susak also underscored the Croatian government's commitment to the further democratisation that will bring Croatia closer to the prevailing standards of Euro-Atlantic community; Talbott stressed that this must include ensuring full freedom of speech, association, and a totally free and independent media. Turning to Bosnia, Minister Susak reaffirmed the government of Croatia's commitment to the Dayton Process and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Accordingly, the government of Croatia will work with Bosnian authorities and in cooperation with the Office of the High Representative to promote measures fully consistent with Dayton in support of Bosnia's economic, social, and political development. Among them could be a special relations agreement between the Federation and Croatia. Talbott applauded Croatia's positive steps in support of Dayton, including facilitating the October surrender of 10 indicted war criminals to The Hague. He welcomed Susak's reiteration of Croatia's commitment to cooperate fully with the Tribunal, including by ensuring that all outstanding indictees are made available for prosecution. Talbott and Susak agreed to continue working to achieve the goals set August 6 at Split by Presidents Tudjman, Izetbegovic and Zubak. Talbott and Susak agreed that negotiations between Croatian and Bosnian authorities on Ploce and Neum will proceed expeditiously, on the basis of principles reflecting discussions to date, so that a final agreement can be concluded by March 30. Susak emphasised and Talbott agreed that the Ploce Agreement will not entail any diminution of Croatia's sovereignty and will reflect standard legal and commercial terms common to such arrangements. The Croatian government will also resolve all outstanding border issues with Bosnia and facilitate free movement of people and commerce between the two countries. Talbott expressed appreciation for Croatia's cooperation in facilitating transshipment of equipment and encouraging Bosnian Croat cooperation with the Train and Equip Programme. Talbott welcomed Susak's announcement that the Croatian government will sign an agreement with the Bechtel Corporation in February for construction of a new road system linking Zagreb, Dubrovnik and other cities in the region as envisioned in the joint statement issued by the US, Croatia and Bosnia at Dubrovnik in July 1996. Welcoming progress to date implementing Bosnian municipal election results, Talbott and Susak called for immediate implementation of results in areas where local governments have not yet been formed. Likewise, they agreed, all parties must work to strengthen the Federation institutions. Croatia will support immediate integration of remaining wartime administrative structures into legitimate Federation institutions in the Neretva, Livno and West Herzegovina cantons. The US and Croatia will redouble efforts to promote the multi-ethnic return process throughout Bosnia. Talbott and Susak agreed that Central Bosnia and Neretva Canton will have high priority for expedited returns. Stressing the importance of Sarajevo as a model, Susak and Talbott welcomed the February 3 conference on displaced persons and refugee returns. Talbott and Susak welcomed the establishment of the Mostar City government and called on Mostar leaders to work together to make Mostar an open, multi-ethnic city. Recognising the special responsibility of public media to observe the highest standards of professional journalism, Susak pledges that the government of Croatia will take all steps within its power to distribute fair and accurate information. The US and Croatia welcome the appointment of a pro-Dayton government in the Republika Srpska and agree to begin working immediately with that entity government to further Dayton goals. Talbott and Susak expressed the expectation that, in cooperation with Bosnian authorities, the Croatian government will proceed by March 1 with the opening of a consulate in Banja Luka to facilitate cooperation and enhance freedom of movement between Croatia and the Republika Srpska". (hina) lm 311226 MET jan 98