FEDERAL DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS NORWEGIAN COUNTERPART

( Editorial: --> 5018 ) SARAJEVO, May 19 (Hina) - The Defence Minister of the Croat-Muslim Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina Ante Jelavic and his deputy Sakib Mahmuljin Tuesday received a delegation of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. The Norwegian delegation was headed by Defence Minister Dag Josetein Fjaervoll. Jelavic informed the guests about the establishment of the federal defence system. Talks also focused on the return of refugees. Jelavic said the federal army was not yet fully equipped and this was an obstacle to the establishment of a military balance necessary for peace and stability in the region. The federal defence minister advocated the full implementation of regulations from the Dayton peace agreements. He pointed out the importance of the agreement's Annexe VII, which stipulated the refugees' right to return. In this respect uniform criteria equally valid for all interested parties must be complied with, Jelavic said. The Norwegian defence minister said his government was concerned with the slow refugee return. He confirmed Norwegian soldiers would continue to take part in the peace mission in Bosnia. (hina) ha jn /mrb 191719 MET may 98