ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT FOR PEACE PROCESS - KORNBLUM

SARAJEVO, 1 June (Hina) - Assistant to US State Secretary John Kornblum discussed today in Sarajevo with Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic open issues of the implementation of the peace agreement in order to prepare tomorrow's meeting with Warren Christopher in Geneva. Following the talks Kornblum told reporters that they discussed preparations for the elections as well as the situation inside the Federation, in particular the Defence Act. Kornblum stressed that Clinton's government deemed those issues vital for the continuation of the peace process. Izetbegovic stated that his government wanted these elections to be held, but in a normal and democratic climate, which is not existent at the moment. He stressed the need to establish freedom of movement and return of refugees, but that the main condition was removing war crime suspects, meaning in particular those within the Serb entity and those in the area under HVO control, stressing that holding undemocratic elections in Bosnia could have serious repercussions for the situation in the wider region. (hina) jt 011623 MET jun 96