ACTION PLAN FOR BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA IN 1997 ESTABLISHED IN LONDON

LONDON, Dec 5 (Hina) - At the end of the London Conference on Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Peace Implementation Council has approved an Action Plan for the year 1997. Chairman of the Conference, British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind, stressed that London had witnessed a turning-point element, which was the joint appearance of representatives of all sides in Bosnia-Herzegovina in one delegation. The plan which describes priorities in the first twelve months of the two-year consolidation period, primarily concerns regional stabilization, the respect of human rights and democratization of the country. The Peace Implementation Council warns about the importance of cooperation with the International War Crimes Tribunal, stressing the obligation of all sides to extradite war crimes suspects without delay. It was agreed that the Tribunal would obtain additional supplies to improve its investigation possibilities. The plan also stresses the importance of the return of refugees and the freedom of movement, the abolition of laws and regulations which inhibit the freedom of movement and the establishment of a national number-plate system. The Council calls for the holding of municipal elections by next summer and the improvement of effectiveness of the international police force in Bosnia-Herzegovina which will be enlarged by 30 British police officers at the beginning of the year. The plan also stresses the importance of introducing a market economy and the reconstruction of the country, and calls for ensuring that the Central bank is operational by early 1997. The need for sides in Bosnia to support arbitration concerning Brcko was reiterated, as well as the importance of adopting the law on customs, the development of the freedom of the media, reconciliation and clearing of mines in the region. The Conference commended the work of IFOR so far, hailing NATO's efforts to establish new stabilization forces in Bosnia- Herzegovina. The Peace Implementation Council also confirmed the continuation of the mandate of the international High Representative, Carl Bildt, whose office should obtain reinforced coordination structures, including in the field of reconstruction. The respect of these priorities is the main condition for financial assistance which the international community wants to ensure for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the document warns. The next meeting of the Peace Implementation Council for Bosnia-Herzegovina is to take place towards the end of next year. (hina) lm 051725 MET dec 96