DECISION ON STATUS OF BRCKO TO BE REACHED BY 14 DECEMBER - SADIKOV

SADIKOV $ IC SARAJEVO, Nov 1 (Hina) - The decision on the final status of Brcko will be reached by 14 December, despite the fact that the Serb side does not participate in the work of a special arbitration committee which was established by the Dayton peace accords, arbiter for Brcko, Cazim Sadikovic, told the Sarajevo daily "Slobodna Bosna" on Friday. #L# Sadikovic said that an international protectorate was being often regarded as a solution to the status of Brcko, which should be acceptable for all sides. It was possible only to accept an international administration which would ensure a democratic development of the whole Brcko region, Sadikovic said. The status of Brcko is at the moment not defined and according to the peace agreement, it does not belong to either of the entities in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sadikovic refused the possibility of dividing Brcko between the two entities, warning that this solution might lead to constant tensions and an obstacle to development. The Croat and Moslem sides cooperated very well in resolving the issue, he added. Another member of the arbitration commission, besides Sadikovic, who was appointed by the Bosnian Federation, is Vitomir Popovic, elected by the Republika Srpska. The committee is presided by the US diplomat Robert Owen. The commission's decision is to be reached by voting, which means that Owen's vote will be deciding. (hina) lm 011648 MET nov 96