TALKS ON CROAT-MOSLEM FEDERATION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA CONTINUE

MUNICH, Feb 5 (Hina) - Representatives of the Bosnian Federation, the Croatian Government and the five-power Contact Group officials met in Munich today to discuss the implementation of Washington accords on establishing the Croat-Moslem Federation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, who chaired the meeting, said the talks were called to show the world that the Federation was still alive and very important to the peace process in the former Yugoslavia. Also present were US congressmen participating a Munich conference on security. Senator Richard Cohen said that to give up the Federation would mean to give up hope. Senator Joseph Lieberman said that among many tragedies that happended in former Yugoslavia, the establishment of the Bosnian Federation was one of the bright spots. Lieberman added that there was no consent in the US Congress on lifting the arms embargo against Bosnia-Herzegovina but that the majority supported the Croat-Moslem Federation in Bosnia- Herzegovina. He stressed that there was a strong feeling among congressmen that Serbia and its allies were aggressors in former Yugoslavia. Lieberman said there was considerable concern about alleged negotiations between Zagreb and Belgrade because they could form relationships which could lead to the breakup of Bosnia- Herzegovina. Federation President Kresimir Zubak said the establishment of the Federation was in a transition period. But he expressed optimism about it, seeking assistance and support from the international community in overcoming current difficulties. The meeting continued behind closed doors. (hina) vm 051634 MET feb 95