BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA MARKS INDEPENDENCE DAY

SARAJEVO, March 1 (Hina) - The Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidency today issued a message to its citizens marking the country's Independence Day. The Presidency recalled that in the 1 March 1992 referendum the majority of Bosnian citizens voted for the independence of their republic from the Yugoslav federation. It reaffiremed its resolution to respect the principles of freedom and independence and continue to pursue a just peace. US President Bill Clinton sent a letter of congratulations to Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic, expressing his support for the survival of Bosnia-Herzegovina on the principles of freedom, democracy and pluralism. Clinton stressed that the United States would help in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. (Hina) jn rv vm 011330 MET mar 95