CLINTON'S LETTER TO ZUBAK

( Editorial: --> 2547 ) SARAJEVO, May 8 (Hina) - US President Bill Clinton, in his letter to BH Presidency member Kresimir Zubak, expressed serious concern for the situation in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and requested a more decisive engagement by the Croat and Bosniak sides in solving the problems. Clinton's letter was handed to Zubak on Friday in Sarajevo by the US Ambassador to that country, Richard Kauzlarich, who expressed America's resolve to support the full development of the Federation and the return of refugees, as a priority in that process, said a statement from Zubak's office. Kauzlarich expressed hope that a party leadership will be elected during the upcoming Croatian Democratic Union of BH convention, which will implement that task. In the letter Clinton said that is up to the political leaders in BH to take the necessary steps for long term stabilisation of peace in that country and for its approach to European associations. For Bosnian Croat leaders that especially means giving up separatist programs and urgent elimination of illegal separatist institutions established during the war, says Clinton's letter along with a reminder that at the same time the Bosniak side is expected to respect the division of authority between federal partners. The US President however says that those issues cannot be linked to one another and that it is simply expected of all officials in BH to fully work on the implementation of the Dayton agreement. Clinton expressed these concerns to Alija Izetbegovic, chairman of the BH Presidency, in a separate letter. In the letter to Zubak, Clinton said that he is especially worried about information that Bosnian Croat leaders are blocking the restructuring of police in some cantons and that they are rejecting urgent steps undertaken for the return of refugees to parts of the Federation under their control. Clinton said he was particularly concerned over the incidents in Drvar and Stolac and warned Zubak that he is, together with local officials, responsible if violence and disturbance of returnees is not stopped immediately. He also expressed strong support for the return of displaced Croats to central Bosnia and Republika Srpska. Clinton also called on the Croat and Bosniak sides to secure the functioning of a united Mostar, stating in the letter that there exist worrisome indications that the joint police in that area is beginning to divide. He also said that attempts to unite three municipalities in western Mostar must come to an end. Clinton called on Zubak to commit himself to improving cooperation on all levels of government in BH so that it can start functioning without constant international mediation. In the letter the Croat side is denoted as also being responsible for blocking the signing of an agreement between BH and the International Monetary Fund as well as rejecting American credit for agricultural aid. Clinton also asked Zubak to work closely with his envoy Robert Gelbard, cautioning that future stability and progress in BH depends on actions Zubak undertakes now. (hina) mrb/rm 082016 MET may 98