THREE MEMBERS OF BH PRESIDENCY ASSUME DUTY

( Editorial: --> 8019 ) SARAJEVO, Oct 13 (Hina)- Three members of BH presidency elected at the election in September, Serb Zivko Radisic, Croat Ante Jelavic and Bosniak (Muslim) Alija Izetbegovic, officially assumed their duties on Tuesday. During a ceremony held at the building of the former presidency of the republic of BH, which has been chosen as a new seat for the joint BH Government bodies, three members of the BH presidency made short statements. They pledged they would "conscientiously carry out their duties, observe the BH constitution, fully implement the Dayton Accords and promote basic human rights and freedoms and the equality of all peoples and citizens". During the next eight months the BH presidency will be chaired by the Serb representative Zivko Radisic. Croat member Ante Jelavic pointed out the importance of Annex 7 of the Dayton Accords (on the return of refugees) and called for an immediate drafting of a comprehensive plan for the return of refugees, with the same criteria for all the three parties. He reiterated the initiative for reduction of military potentials in both BH entities, so that the savings could be saved to boost reconstruction and economic development in BH. Alija Izetbegovic said the constructive attitude of the new BH Presidency spelled hope for a more efficient functioning of the state leadership. Deputy High Representative for BH Jacques Klein said the time had come for them to assume responsibility for the future of BH, considering that the role of the international community in BH would gradually wane. (Hina) mr/it 131939 MET oct 98