CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT ON BRCKO DECISION

ZAGREB, Feb 15 (Hina) - The Croatian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday in connection with Friday's decision by the international arbitration commission on the status of the northern Bosnian town of Brcko. The following is the full text of the statement: The Republic of Croatia views the decision by the international arbitration commission on Brcko as the only realistic decision under given circumstances and as the first step towards a final and just solution. On the one hand, the decision underlines the need for a more resolute implementation of the Dayton peace accords, and on the other it contributes to the overall peace process. The Republic of Croatia welcomes the appointment of a deputy high representative for Brcko and calls on the international community to step up its efforts in the peace process in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Republic of Croatia also warns of the necessity to increase economic reconstruction and to raise necessary funds for that purpose in order to further consolidate peace and stability in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Republic of Croatia hopes that the resolution of the Brcko status will create preconditions for resolving many humanitarian issues and for further strengthening the overall, and particularly economic, cooperation with both entities of Bosnia-Herzegovina. On this occasion, the Republic of Croatia, as a signatory to the Dayton and Washington agreements, wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the full implementation of the peace accords and the construction of Bosnia- Herzegovina as a state consisting of two entities and three constituent nations on the principles of full equality, tolerance and mutual respect. (hina) vm 151350 MET feb 97