70% OF VOTERS PARTICIPATED IN BOSNIAN SERB PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

( Editorial: --> 3321 ) SARAJEVO, 24 Nov (Hina) - Elections for the Republika Srpska Parliament could be described as free, fair and democratic, despite numerous problems which were caused by the internal crisis in the Bosnian Serb entity in the past several months, the head of the Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Robert Frowick, told reporters in Sarajevo Monday. It is estimated that 70% of registered voters have participated in the elections. We call on all concerned to respect the will of the people and implement election results in line with the law, Frowick said. Ballots from abroad would be received by 5 December, Frowick said, adding the announcement of election results could be expected before the meeting of the Council for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement, to be held in Bonn on 9 and 10 December. The announcement of results would take place in Banja Luka, Frowick said. Deputy High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hans Schumacher, expressed hope that the election results would result in the transformation of Republika Srpska into a constructive partner, with whom it would be possible to work on the implementation of the Dayton agreement. Commenting on unofficial claims saying that the Bosnian Serb parliament, which was based and held sessions in Pale, near Sarajevo, could be relocated to Banja Luka, Schumacher said such a decision had not been made. However, the international community would welcome the idea of the Bosnian Serb parliament functioning in an environment which enabled more constructive and liberal activities, he added. (hina) mm rm 241442 MET nov 97