BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY ISSUES STATEMENT AFTER FIRST MEETING

SARAJEVO, Sept 30 (Hina) - The three members of the Bosnian Presidency issued a joint statement on Monday saying that they had held a preliminary meeting in Sarajevo to agree further steps in implementing the peace agreement. The Presidency members - Moslem representative Alija Izetbegovic, Croat Kresimir Zubak and Serb Momcilo Krajisnik - confirmed their commitment to defending the Bosnian Constitution. They began talks on establishing a new Council of Ministers, which should be completed by October 30. It is important because it opens the possibility of beginning talks with international financial institutions on reconstruction aid of Bosnia- Herzegovina, the statement said. The three members agreed to contribute to the restoration of confidence and tolerance among the peoples and called on the media to follow them in their efforts. They also agreed to use all three languages and two scripts in public communication, the statement said. The three agreed to release all remaining prisoners of war who had not been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague. They agreed that the inaugurative session of the Bosnian Assembly's House or Representative and the Bosnian Presidency would be held in Sarajevo on October 5. The exact place and protocol of the session would be determined subsequently through the mediation of the office of High Representative Carl Bildt, the statement said. (hina) vm 302343 MET sep 96