Republica Srpska President Comments On The Results Of His Russian Visit

Bosnia's Republica Srpska has obtained Moscow's support in implementing specific provisions of the Dayton agreement, president Mirco Sarovic of the Republica Srpska said, after returning from the Russian capital. A delegation of the Bosnian Serb leadership completed its five-day Russian visit on Friday. The sides advocated the preservation of the Bosnian state, which had been established by the Dayton agreement, during their talks in Moscow, as well as its involvement in European- integration processes, Sarovic added. However, the Serb delegation suggested that international influence should be scaled down in Bosnia, and that the legitimate Bosnian and Bosnian Serb leaderships assume responsibility for the state's future. For his own part, prime minister Mladen Ivanic of the Republica Srpska said that Russia had promised to issue a $50-million tied financial loan to the republic. Moreover, Russian companies have voiced their readiness to help lay a gas pipeline via its territory. An agreement stipulating the delivery of Russian oil to a local oil refinery has special importance for the republican industry, Ivanic said in conclusion.