DEPUTY HIGH REP EXPRESSES DISSATISFACTION WITH SITUATION IN VARES

( Editorial: --> 0624 ) VARES, July 29 (Hina) - International Deputy High Representative for Bosnia-Herzegovina Hanns Schumacher on Wednesday in Vares welcomed the establishment and functioning of a joint police force in the central Bosnian town. But he also expressed his dissatisfaction with the overall situation in the Vares municipality in the recent period, Bosnian Croat news agency Habena reported. Schumacher met with Vares municipal head Pavo Vidovic and his deputy Samir Muso, then with local political party officials. The international community is becoming impatient, Schumacher said, adding that if the municipal structures were not soon ethnically balanced in accordance with election results, there could be serious consequences - for instance the removal of the mayor or introduction of sanctions. With 70 Bosniaks (Muslims) and 10 Croats in the local authorities, the situation could not develop in a positive way, Schumacher assessed. Vares cannot ask for assistance from donators until the municipal authority is functioning and until people are guaranteed unhindered return, Schumacher said at the end of his visit, according to Habena. Croats formed the majority in Vares before it was taken over by Bosniak forces during the Muslim-Croat war in 1993. (Hina) mbr as 292204 MET jul 98