GRANIC-PRIMAKOV TALKS END

MOSCOW, 17 Sept (Hina) - The Croatian and Russian foreign ministers Mate Granic and Yevgeny Primakov respectively greeted the successful implementation of Bosnian elections as the most important step towards a peaceful settlement of the crisis. Speaking at a press conference after their meeting in Moscow, the two ministers stressed the importance of the establishment of Bosnian authorities in line with the Dayton agreement. Stressing that the relations between Zagreb and Belgrade were essential for peace in the region, Primakov said that the normalisation of relations between the two countries would influence the completion of the civil part of the Bosnian peace operation. 'We want to have good relations with all sides which participated in the conflict and Minister Granic's visit proves it', Primakov said, recalling that the Yugoslav foreign minister Milan Milutinovic had visited Russia a week ago. Although Granic said that a large part of today's talks had been dedicated to the situation in the Croatian Danubian area, his Russian counterpart did not speak much about that issue. Asked whether he agreed with Croatia's proposal that the UNTAES mandate in eastern Slovenia be extended for three months, Primakov said that Granic and Milutinovic had to agree about that first. Croatia and Russia were in agreement as regarded the future of the region, Primakov said, adding he agreed with Granic's opinion that international armed forces should stay in Bosnia after the expiry of the IFOR mandate in the country. Granic expressed satisfaction with the Moscow talks, adding that Primakov had accepted his invitation to visit Croatia. (hina) rm jn 171602 MET sep 96