ZUBAK SUPPORTS THE IDEA OF A DEMILITARISED BOSNIA

( Editorial: --> 1154 ) SARAJEVO, March 20 (Hina) - Bosnian Presidency member Kresimir Zubak on Friday supported a suggestion to demilitarise Bosnia- Herzegovina as a step which would contribute to long-term stability, at a meeting with US Ambassador to NATO, Alexander Vershbow. The idea of demilitarising Bosnia-Herzegovina was put forward by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman during a conversation with German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel and his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine in Zagreb on Thursday. The demilitarisation would be based on a non-aggression pact between Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina, and between the latter and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Ambassador Vershbow described the demilitarisation idea as very interesting. This could contribute to Bosnia's long-term stability, particularly in view of the fact that the current two- army system made for increased instability, Zubak's office said in a statement. The idea of demilitarisation is worthy of attention especially in view of the difficult economic situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which does not allow for large military appropriations as funds are needed for reconstruction, the statement said. By itself, demilitarisation does not preclude relations between Bosnia and NATO or Bosnia's admittance to the Partnership for Peace programme, Zubak said. Zubak and Vershbow also discussed the return of refugees to both entities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Vershbow stressed the need for both the Croat and the Muslim side to take the initiative in this respect. Vershbow said NATO would insist on raising the efficiency level of the international police in Bosnia-Herzegovina (IPTF) so as to ensure that local police are properly trained and able to take up their responsibility. He also announced that a special police force would be established to intervene as needed. (hina) jn as /mb 201830 MET mar 98