HERZEGOVINA-NERETVA PREFECT WARNS OF "BLOCKADE OF THE SYSTEM"

( Editorial: --> 3489 ) MOSTAR, Feb 20 (Hina) - The Herzegovina-Neretva Canton Prefect, Zeljko Obradovic, announced on Friday in Mostar that the distrust between Croats and Bosniaks has caused a "blockade of the system". On the territory of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, "because new laws on administration of justice were not passed, old structures of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina and partly of the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia still exist", said Obradovic at a media conference. The main problem is that the Croat side is suggesting the establishment of six municipal courts in Mostar, which is line with the Constitution of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while the Bosniak proposal is the re-establishment of only one court in that town, said Obradovic. Obradovic also expressed his dissatisfaction with the international community's treatment of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, particularly in regards to international aid and its uneven distribution. However, he admitted fault for such an attitude towards the canton lies with Croatian officials as well. Obradovic said that more than 60,000 displaced persons and refugees are accommodated on the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton territory, of which about 35,000 are on the territory under Croat authority. (hina) jn mrb 201735 MET feb 98