SARAJEVO, 13 Jan (Hina) - The current international military force mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was strictly limited to 18 months, British Defence Minister Michael Portillo stated in Sarajevo Monday, calling on Bosnia's
authorities to use that time and strengthen the peace process in the country.
SARAJEVO, 13 Jan (Hina) - The current international military force
mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was strictly limited to 18
months, British Defence Minister Michael Portillo stated in
Sarajevo Monday, calling on Bosnia's authorities to use that time
and strengthen the peace process in the country. #L#
Speaking at a press conference held after his two-day stay in
Bosnia, Portillo stressed that the international community wanted
to see progress in the economic revival of Bosnia-Herzegovina in
1997, as well as the establishment of close ties between the two
entities.
It was necessary to unite railway and air traffic and link
telecommunication systems in the country, Portillo said.
During his stay, Portillo visited British SFOR (Stabilisation
Force) troops and held talks with Haris Silajdzic and Boro Bosic,
co-chairmen of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
He also met defence ministers of the Croat-Muslim Federation
and Republika Srpska.
The problem of apprehending war criminals had to be solved as
soon as possible, Portillo said, refusing to comment on
announcements regarding possible establishment of special police
forces in charge of arresting war criminals.
(hina) rm jn
131436 MET jan 97