Russian Foreign Minister Does Not Rule Out Amendments To The Dayton Accords

The Dayton Accords are a good basis for establishing statehood and strengthening political and economic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov said on Tuesday when his negotiations with Zlatko Lagumdzija, the Premier-cum-Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were over in Moscow. At the same time, Ivanov stressed, "we are not dogmatists and do not regard Dayton Accords as something which cannot be changed if the situation requires. The main thing, he believes, is that this should be done for strengthening stable and prospering Bosnia. Igor Ivanov also pointed out that the Dayton Accords are a good basis for further work. On his part, Premier-cum-Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zlatko Lagumdzija said that the stands of his country and of Russia on this issue coincided. Dayton Accords are necessary, and the point at issue, according to him, is not to change but implement them. However, Lagumdzija stressed, this should be done in the interests of a united and stable Bosnia and Herzegovina.