UNMOP DISMISSES CLAIMS THAT IT LAID MINES ON PREVLAKA

ZAGREB, Jan 22 (Hina) - The U.N. Mission of Observers on Prevlaka (UNMOP) categorically dismisses accusations that UN observers have planted mines on the peninsula Ostro, UNMOP's political advisor Richard Calver said on Tuesday. "I can confirm categorically that no mines have been laid on Prevlaka by the United Nations," Calver said in a statement sent to Hina. "The United Nations is one of the leading proponents of the banning of anti-personnel mines. It is inconceivable that UNMOP could be involved in laying mines," the statement said. In mid-December 2001, UNMOP renewed a section of protective fencing around the compound on Cape Ostra. The renewal was required because of natural erosion over the years, the statement reads. As part of the process, UNMOP also renewed the mine warning signs behind the barrier and on the fence because the former signs had either fallen down or were no longer visible, Calver said. UN observers on Prevlaka were accused of having laid mines and putting up "Mine" signs on the Ostro peninsula at a conference of the Association for the Protection of Property Rights on Prevlaka, held in Dubrovnik today. The reports were immediately refuted by the Croatian Foreign Ministry, which quoted the head of the UNMOP, Colonel Rodolfo S. Mujica, as categorically dismissing the claims. (hina) rml