Briefed on Upcoming Elections in Mostar
BRUSSELS, May 13 (Reuters) — European Union foreign ministers met on Monday for talks ranging from elections in Mostar to the Middle East peace process. International peace mediator Carl Bildt was to brief the 15 ministers on conditions in Bosnia ahead of May 31 elections in the EU-administered city of Mostar.Diplomats are concerned at a growing number of incidents between residents of the Bosnian city and returning refugees and say any delay to the election jeopardises the whole Dayton peace process. Under the Dayton accord, only those resident in the city can vote, but Muslims are threatening to boycott the poll because thousands of them have not yet been able to return.
Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring said every effort must be made to stick to the election timetable. "We must press on," he said.
British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind said most in the EU favoured sticking to the date "if it is at all possible."
The ministers are also expected to approve an EU action plan for Russia, pledging to help Moscow stay the course of reform. The plan, coverng areas ranging fron trade to security, comes as the EU becomes increasingly worried that Russian President Boris Yeltsin will lose the presidential election to communist leader Gennady Zyuganov.
On the Middle East, the ministers were to be briefed on recent trips to the region by representatives from Italy, Ireland and Spain. Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was to meet some of the EU ministers over lunch.
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Berserkistan, May 1 · Mostar to Hold Elections May 31
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