OSCE CHAIRMAN SAYS KOSOVO IS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY PRIORITY

( Editorial: --> 5933 ) SARAJEVO, July 6 (Hina) - The solution to the Kosovo crisis has become a priority of the whole international community including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Polish Foreign Minister and this year's OSCE chairman Bronislaw Geremek said in Sarajevo on Monday. The crisis can endanger peace and stability in the whole Balkan area, he said. The OSCE is the first organisation which put forward a way to resolve the crisis in the south Yugoslav region acceptable for both the Serbian and the Albanian side, Geremek told reporters. This solution would confirm the integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as well as ensure compliance with the justified demands of Kosovo Albanians, especially those relating to a special status for Kosovo, the Polish Ambassador said. We demand an immediate cessation of violence and conflicts, the beginning of fair negotiations and a debate on the special status of Kosovo, he said. The September election in Bosnia-Herzegovina will be crucial for the strengthening of peace in the country and a continuation of democratic processes, Geremek said. He added OSCE would engage 3,000 men in the organisation of the election. They will be joined by 2,200 international observers. Geremek emphasised that international presence in BH has to be long-term in order to ensure the reinstatement of a multi-ethnic, plural society. Today Geremek also met with the members of Bosnia's collective Presidency. With Bosnian Foreign Minister Jadranko Prlic he signed a bilateral agreement by which the Polish government ensures US$3 million of support to the economy revival in BH. Yesterday, Geremek held talks with top officials of the Bosnia Serb entity in Banja Luka. He also visited Mostar, in southern BH. (hina) ha jn 061837 MET jul 98