Confidence-building and arms control talks begin under OSCE auspices

VIENNA, 2 January 1996 - Two sets of negotiations, on confidence- and security- building measures for Bosnia and Herzegovina and on sub-regional arms control, will open in Vienna on 4 January under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The negotiations, which were initiated in Bonn on 18 December, are called for under Articles II and IV (Annex 1-B) of the Agreement on Regional Stablization of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The negotiations on confidence-building measures, which are to achieve an agreement by 26 January, will be chaired by Ambassador Istvan Gyarmati (Hungary) and the negotiations on arms control, which will conclude no later than 6 June, will be chaired by Ambassador Vigleik Eide (Norway). Both Ambassadors were appointed by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office as Personal Representatives.

Press Arrangements:

Wednesday, 3 January, 12:30Press Briefing: Ambassador Gyarmati and Ambassador Eide, Hofburg Congress Centre, Heldenplatz 1, Room 425

Thursday, 4 January, (time to be announced)Photo Opportunity, beginning of talks, Hofburg Congress Centre

Please present your press credentials at the entrance. Parking is available on Wednesday between 11:30 and 14:00 in the OSCE-reserved lot at the Heldenplatz for those with clearly marked "Presse" signs. Parking arrangements for 4 January will be announced.