BRITISH PREMIER MAJOR VISITS SARAJEVO AND BANJA LUKA

SARAJEVO, 24 May (Hina) - The British Premier John Major stated in Sarajevo on Friday that Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, as well as all other persons suspected of war crimes, had to be not only removed from public life but extradited to the Hague War Crimes Tribunal. 'We will not be satisfied if persons like Karadzic only withdraw from public life. We will see to it that they are accused of war crimes, arrested, tried and punished', the British Premier said after talks with the Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic. What Britain wanted in Bosnia was speedy normalization of the situation with one basic task - the fulfillment of all obligations from the Dayton peace agreement, Major said, stressing he confirmed to Izetbegovic that Great Britain attached great importance to the unity of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The British Premier stressed he was sure that the forthcoming elections in Bosnia would help the speedy restoration of trust as well as the return of refugees. The Bosnian President Izetbegovic said that he had warned Premier Major of the fact that negative elements of the Dayton peace agreement were becoming more and more prominent. 'This creates fear of possible disintegration of the country among our people and I asked from Mr Major to confirm on behalf of the British government that they support the unity of Bosnia- Herzegovina and that they would give full support to the Hague Tribunal'. Premier Major gave his assurances and under such conditions the Bosnian government would accept that elections be held in September, Izetbegovic said. The British Premier also visited the British IFOR troops in northwestern Bosnia and met with local Serb leadership in Banja Luka. Major did not give any statements on that part of his visit, saying it was only a private exchange of opinions. (hina) rm mm 242106 MET may 96