BOSNIAN FEDERATION ELECTS NEW GOVERNMENT

SARAJEVO, Dec 12 (Hina) - The Bosnian Federation Assembly's House of Representatives on Saturday confirmed the appointment of a new federal government. Prime Minister Edhem Bicakcic said him and his ministers expect a better cooperation with the Assembly. He stressed the Bosnian Federation government needed the support of all parties which have seats in the Assembly. "In the following time period, we will need a general political consensus in order for us to transform to market economy which should include a high level of social protection," Bicakcic said. The new government will comprise 14 ministers, although the Bosnian Federation President, Ejup Ganic, announced its reorganisation was a possibility by the end of January. Croats have won six ministerial functions. Bosnian Federation Vice-Premier Dragan Covic was appointed Finance Minister, Miroslav Prce defence Minister and Ignjac Dodik replaced Mato Tadic on the function of Justice Minister. Bozo Ljubic remains Health Minister, while Branko Ivkovic was appointed as Trade Minister and Nikola Antunovic remains Minister without Portfolio. Almost all representatives of opposition parties voted against the appointment of a new government. Special US envoy Robert Gelbard requested Croat and Bosniak (Moslem) officials that a new government be appointed based on last September's general elections. (hina) lml