IZETBEGOVIC: CENGIC WILL BE REPLACED IN A REGULAR PROCEDURE

SARAJEVO, 3 Nov (Hina) - The Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic on Sunday stated that the request by the United States government for the Bosnian government to replace the Federation Deputy Defence Minister Hasan Cengic, would be met, adding that Cengic's removal should secure the continuation of a program aimed at equipping and training the Federation armed force. #L# In an interview published by the state news agency BH PRESS, Izetbegovic announced that Cengic would be replaced in a regular procedure, which is under the jurisdiction of the Federation Parliament. The Parliament would hold a session on 6 November, he said. After the reorganization of the government, Cengic would work for some other ministry. According to Izetbegovic, the State Department had demanded Cengic's removal, but also the removal of Cengic's superior, Vladimir Soljic, because of their 'unwillingness to cooperate.' Izetbegovic rejected allegations about an 'Iranian connection', adding that Bosnia-Herzegovina had long ended any military cooperation with Iran, at the request of the United States. 'We have chosen to establish military cooperation with the United States because we concluded that the United States can provide more guarantees that new aggressions against Bosnia- Herzegovina will not happen.' (hina) rm 032117 MET nov 96