BOSNIAN MOSLEMS AND CROATS REACH AGREEMENT ON SETUP OF SARAJEVO

SARAJEVO, Feb 3 (Hina) - Top Bosnian Croat and Moslem officials agreed on a number of measures at a meeting of the Federation Forum in Sarajevo on Monday to encourage the implementation of previously reached agreements on the establishment of government bodies in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum, who chaired the meeting which lasted a full five hours, told reporters that the meeting was very successful. Kornblum said that agreement was reached on a wide range of issues, including the establishment of city government in Sarajevo. The US government attached great importance to the functioning of the Federation, regarding it as the foundation of multiethnic society in Bosnia-Herzegovina and was therefore willing to extend it strong support, he said. A joint written statement, called "Agreed Measures", was issued from the Forum meeting. Besides the protocol on the administrative setup of Sarajevo, the Forum also reached agreement on establishing a joint police force in Sarajevo County by February 20. The police would be made up of 70 percent of Moslems, 15 percent of Croats and 15 percent of representatives of other ethnic groups. It was agreed that joint police forces in Neretva and Central Bosnia Counties should be set up by April 15. The Croat and Moslem sides also agreed to ensure full freedom of movement in the Mostar area and to form six municipalities in the city of Mostar by February 14. They called for an end to apartment evictions in the city, stressing that all expelled tenants should be guaranteed the right to return to their apartments. (hina) vm jn 032016 MET feb 97