PROTOCOL ON USE OF WATERWAYS SIGNED

( Editorial: --> 8985 ) ZAGREB, Oct 16 (Hina) - A protocol regarding the reinstatement of travel on interior waterways was signed between Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina on Friday. The protocol determines use of the waterways along the Sava river and its tributaries between Croatia and Bosnia. The protocol was singed by Croatian Maritime, Traffic and Communications Minister Zeljko Luzavec and Spasoje Albijanic on behalf of the Bosnian Ministry for Civil Affairs and Communication. The two ministers also signed a Supplement to a Memorandum of Understanding of joint reconstruction of thoroughfares between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The signing of the Protocol creates a legal basis for demining activities, and to mark travel routes along the Sava, Kupa and Una rivers forming the basis to establish international travel between international ports. At the same time, the protocol determines the Sava river as an international waterway. The establishment of waterways is significant to Croatia's and Bosnia's economic development. It is also important for security of river travel which is currently being conducted by ferries and other crafts said Croatian traffic minister. Another important reason to define a traffic route along the Sava river is to open the possibility of transporting crude oil between Slavonski Brod and Sisak along the river. This would decrease the traffic on roads and the price of transport as well as employing local sailors. The protocol also regulates other issues tied to the safety of river travel, transport issues and the question of recognising official documents by both signatories. Supplement 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding for the joint reconstruction of thoroughfares between Croatia and Bosnia- Herzegovina foresees the reconstruction of another four bridges across the Sava river and three across the Una between the two countries. So far the two countries have already signed a protocol on road traffic and another protocol for rail traffic is being prepared and is expected to be signed soon. (Hina) 161633 MET oct 98