AKASHI TOURS CENTRAL BOSNIA

VITEZ, Feb 7 (Hina) - The cooperation between the two peoples in central Bosnia, particularly in the Lasva Valley, could serve as an example on how to pave the way for establishing the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, UN special envoy Yasushi Akashi today told a Hina correspondent. Akashi was happy with the progress in relations between Croat and Moslem (Bosniacs) peoples in central Bosnia, and in this regard he emphasized the contribution of UN Protection Force, especially in the forming the infrastructure in the area. He said he "held much hope in the Federation" despite gloomy predictions to the contrary. After touring Novi Travnik, Akashi visited Vitez where he discussed with the implementation of the Federation's Constitution with Moslems (Bosniacs) and Croats. Akashi visited a school now being reconstructed by the British UN battalion, and paid homage to a grave of a British soldier who died last spring while clearing mines. Just after 4pm Akashi departed for Zenica. (hina) jn sd mms 071836 MET feb 95