CROATIA AND BOSNIA DISCUSS ECONOMIC COOPERATION

( Editorial: --> 9871 ) SARAJEVO, April 27 (Hina) - Delegations of the Republic of Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina headed by Minister of Economy Nenad Porges and Prime Minister Edhem Bicakcic on Monday discussed economic cooperation between Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina. After talks lasting several hours Porges and Bicakcic told the press that the two sides put forth suggestions on possible changes in the agreement signed between Croatia and the government of the former Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which had never been officially confirmed by the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Prime Minister Bicakcic said that the Federation had presented its suggestions on Monday, and was now waiting for the Croatian Government's response. According to Minister Porges, the shortcomings of the existing agreement could be reduced by merely improving the protocol, or by more comprehensive changes to the agreement. Both sides want their economic cooperation to be compatible with rules applied by the European Union and the World Trade Organisation. The sides agreed on the methods for border control of goods and the issuing of certificates on the origin of goods. The Federation authorities will present the proposal to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Minister Porges also said that representatives of INA and Energopetrol had also met in Sarajevo and discussed long-term cooperation. (hina) jn jfk/mrb 271805 MET apr 98