INTERNATIONAL MEDIATOR CALLS FOR OPEN TOWN STATUS FOR TRAVNIK

( Editorial: --> 5714 ) TRAVNIK, May 21 (Hina) - International mediator for the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Christian Schwarz-Schilling, on Thursday stressed the international community was insisting on a faster return of refugees to the Travnik area. During a meeting with local municipal officials, he also said the international community wanted implementation of constitutional provisions envisaging the status of a joint urban council for the central Bosnian town. If the situation in Travnik keeps developing in that direction the international community will proclaim it an open city, a status that will safeguard certain assistance for reconstruction and development, Schwarz-Schilling said. According to him, the international community wants to see the return of the entire pre-war population, including more than 16,000 Croats. Schwarz-Schilling urged the new municipal authorities to step up eviction of illegal tenants from state-owned flats and stop the wide-spread practice of double accommodation, especially by Bosniak (Muslim) families. "In all that, precedence should be given to councillors, police and all municipal officials. If that is being carried out with determination and consistency, the international community will not fail to help this town," the mediator concluded. Schwarz-Schilling met today with Travnik's municipal head Besim Halilovic, municipal council president Tomislav Rajic and local party leaders. Tonight he is due to meet the prefect and deputy prefect of the Central Bosnia Canton and the canton's premier and his deputy. (Hina) mr /mb 212158 MET may 98