PRESIDENTS TUDJMAN, IZETBEGOVIC ON CROAT-BOSNIAC TALKS

ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Talks today and yesterday between Croatian and Bosnian delegations were a leap forward towards implementing the Washington Agreements and for injecting life into the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, President Tudjman said. Speaking immediately after the talks, the President said the meetings also dealt with confederal elements of the relationship between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia- Herzegovina. President of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegovic, told reporters that consensus was reached about a number of issues relative to the Washington Agreement - the establishment of municipal and cantonal authorities in line with the Federation's Constitution and the opening of the road linking Metkovic (southern Croatia) and Doboj (northern Bosnia). The two delegations also agreed to elaborate a program for the speedy return of refugees and outlined the basic principles of the organisation of the future Federation's army under a joint command. The Defence Ministry is soon to submit a draft defence bill to the Federation's Parliament, President Izetbegovic said. He said the deadlines for establishing municipal and cantonal authorities were one and two months, respectively. The talks were attended by Croatian Prime Minister, Nikica Valentic and Deputy Prime Minister Mate Granic. The Bosnian delegation included the President of the Federation, Kresimir Zubak, the Federation's Premier Haris Silajdzic and other officials. (hina) mm as 141607 MET sep 94