U.S. DIPLOMAT CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES TO BOSNIA'S DEAL WITH IMF

IMF SARAJEVO, June 27 (Hina) - A U.S. special envoy for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Robert Gelbard, on Friday demanded from Bosnian Presidency's members to remove immediately obstacles for signing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). If the agreement is signed, the country can receive significant financial support. Following a brief meeting with Alija Izetbegovic, Kresimir Zubak and Momcilo Krajisnik at Sarajevo's suburb of Lukavica, Gelbard said to reporters that he had conveyed a message that the signing of a treaty with the IMF was, at the moment, the most important for the future and progress of Bosnia. The American diplomat added that a solution should be found during this weekend, and said that it was now up to the (Croat-Moslem) Federation to meet remaining obligations, but declined to say what kind obligations should be fulfilled. When agreement with the IMF was reached, a US$ 90-million credit would be granted and conditions for holding a donors' conference would be met. Afterwards, talks with the Paris club would ensue with the aim of reaching agreement on a significant decrease in Bosnia's debt, he said. Gelbard warned that the international community would think of re- allocation of help, previously planned for Bosnia, to other regions unless conditions were met. Clinton's envoy voiced dissatisfaction with the fact that Bosnian authorities had not reached agreement on railways, airports and telephone lines. It was impermissible for this country and its people that deals on this matter had note yet been made. This left the country more behind Europe, Gelbard said. During Friday's evening he will hold separate talks with Bosnian Presidency's three members, and is due to meet Bosnian Federation's President Vladimir Soljic on Saturday. (hina) mš 272154 MET jun 97