Military

DATE=11/14/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-Bosnia Elections (L Only)

NUMBER=2-269229

BYLINE=Breck Ardery

DATELINE=United Nations

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United Nations Security Council was told today (Tuesday) that nationalist parties were the apparent winners in Saturday's elections in Bosnia. VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: U-N Assistant Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno told the Council it appears that nationalist parties have defeated moderates in both the Serb half of Bosnia and in the Muslim-Croat federation.

He said that, although there were some reports of voting irregularities, the elections were generally fair and free.

U-S representative James Cunningham expressed disappointment at the apparent victory of the Serb Democratic Party which contains members who have opposed the Dayton peace agreement on Bosnia.

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We can not allow Dayton implementation to be blocked by obstructionists and undermined by corrupt elements working behind the scenes. It is critically important for the (U-N) high representative (in Bosnia) and the international community to be prepared to act forcefully to ensure that those who are opposed to Dayton are not in a position to block full implementation of the peace accords.

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But, speaking through an English interpreter, Russia's representative Gennadi Gatilov said persuasion is the best way to gain cooperation for the Dayton peace accords.

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International structures can not and must not replace the legitimately elected organs of power in Bosnia. Basic efforts must be channeled toward focused work with Bosnian political forces encouraging their cooperation between each other and the international community.

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The representative of the new government of Yugoslavia said his nation is firmly committed to the Dayton peace agreement and called on all sides in Bosnia to observe it.(Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/LSF/PT