BOSNIA ASKS ISLAMIC COUNTRIES FOR GREATER SUPPORT

SARAJEVO, 22 Nov (Hina) - The Bosnian Premier Hasan Muratovic on Friday asked the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member- countries for greater support in the reconstruction of Bosnia- Herzegovina, adding that his country was 'under constant pressure which is being exerted by the High International Representative who is using every opportunity with the donors to postpone the implementation of agreed reconstruction projects under the pretext of a lack of necessary conditions since the Council of Ministers has still not been established'. #L# Speaking at a conference of OIC member-countries aimed at mobilising help for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which started in Sarajevo on Friday, Muratovic warned that the Serb side was responsible for the non-existence of the Council of Ministers. Muratovic called on Islamic countries to stand by Bosnia- Herzegovina 'the way they did in most difficult times.' Members of 15 OIC member-countries gathered in Sarajevo today for the fifth time to discuss the mobilisation of financial means intended for the reconstruction of the country. Along with officials in ministries of foreign affairs and finance ministries, the conference is also attended by officials in defence ministries, since it is to tackle the issue of military cooperation as well. Bosnian Foreign Minister Jadranko Prlic called on OIC member- countries to persevere with their support for Bosnia-Herzegovina. He pointed to the importance of bilateral cooperation between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Islamic countries and the need for OIC countries to join IFOR units in greater numbers. He also stressed the importance of implementing the 'Equip and Train' program, aimed at training the army of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. (hina) rm mm 221854 MET nov 96