SFOR DISMISSES CLAIMS BY CROATIAN AUTHORITIES S

SARAJEVO, May 21 (Hina) - The Command of the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina dismisses as unfounded all accusations made by the Croatian government that the landing of an SFOR helicopter in Dubrovnik last week violated existing agreements and Croatian laws, SFOR spokesman Scott Loundy said in Sarajevo on Tuesday. According to Loundy, the SFOR had the necessary permission to land, in line with an agreement between Croatia and NATO on the status of the peace forces on its territory (SOFA). The SFOR is surprised with the fact that the issue of choosing a landing place provoked criticism by the Croatian authorities, Loundy said. He stressed that the Croatian authorities were informed of this several weeks ago and that the government's office for cooperating with international organisations was informed of the exact time and location of the arrival of the SFOR Chief Commander, US General John Sylvester, on May 17. It is true that the government's office has proposed Cilipi airport as the place of landing; however, the SFOR determined the final location of landing in accordance with an agreement on the status of its forces in Croatia, Loundy said. According to him, the Dubrovnik city leadership gave permission to land on a soccer field in Gospino Polje. The SFOR hopes that this issue will not bring into question its excellent relations with the Croatian authorities, the spokesman said. He said that SFOR was convinced this was an issue of misunderstanding rather than the result of some changes in Croatia's official policy. Loundy said General Sylvester will personally discuss this issue with Croatian Foreign Minister Tonino Picula. 8hina) it sb