YUGOSLAV PARLIAMENT RATIFIES NORMALIZATION AGREEMENT

BELGRADE, Sept 27 (Hina) - Yugoslavia's parliament on Friday ratified the agreement on the normalization of relations with Croatia. However, separate sessions of the two chambers of parliament were not attended by representatives of major opposition parties, who have been boycotting parliament sessions over a ban on live TV coverage of sessions. Deputy Foreign Minister Radoslav Bulajic described the agreement as an important step in the normalization of relations with former Yugoslav republics. "The agreement opens a new page in relations between Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, ensuring life in peace, good neighbourliness and understanding," he said. Bulajic added that after "the successful elections in Bosnia-Herzegovina" conditions would be created for the normalization of relations with that country as well. Journalists covering the sessions were not given copies of the agreement, which Yugoslav authorities treat as confidential. The Belgrade-based Beta news agency released the text of the agreement published by Croatian media. (hina) vm 272206 MET sep 96