BILDT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PROSPECTS FOR BOSNIA

BELGRADE, 7 May (Hina) - High Commissoner of the EU and the UN for civilian side of the Peace Accord on BH, Carl Bildt, accused individuals in the authorities of the Serb entity of lack of co- operativeness and of pursuit of a "policy of isolationism," that limits the scope for economoic co-operation and creates problems for Republika srpska and its population. Speaking in an interview for BK Telekom, Bildt pointed out that persons indicted by the ICTY must resign. Bildt said the international community would funnel most reconstruction funds to the BH Federation, because it is more populous and suffered more war damages, adding provisions should be made for aiding Republika srpska too. Sanctions are not a problem any more, but problems are created now by individuals who are using isolationist policies in order to limit access of Republika srpska to international aid. Speaking about elections, Bildt assessed the preparations were proceeding as planned. Voting lists will be completed by next week and ground is paved for the opening of the media. Decision of the elections will be made in June, and they could be held as early as September. Speaking abut the establishment of independent media, Bildt said that the international community would back TV stations in Sarajevo, Tuzla and Zenica and help them get more powerful transmitters, rather than founding a brand new TV station. "I am convinced that by 20 December this year situation will have been much better that it was at that time last year. There will still be some problems, but by then we will have joint institutions in BH, ensure freedom of movement and return of DPs, improve economic activity and protection of human rights of all citizens and step up reconstruction. I believe in BH because people al over the country want peace, economic co-operation, stability and progress. There are many difficulties, but I am an optimist because of that desire for peace," said Bildt. (Hina) mr 072342 MET may 96