POLICE: MAKARSKA RESIDENTS AND GUESTS SAFE

SPLIT, Aug 9 (Hina) - The Split-Dalmatia county police on Friday estimated that the security situation in Makarska was at a high level, reacting to a demand by the town authorities to increase security measures in that southern coastal town following an explosion early Thursday morning. #L# The security situation in Makarska, with the exception of the recent event, which did not directly endanger lives, is at a high level and there is no reason for tourists and citizens to feel threatened because all Makarska residents and their guests are absolutely safe, a statement issued by the Split police signed by Chief Srdan Gustin said. The statement was issued in the wake of accusations by an inter- party council in Makarska and the town assembly which the police described as unfounded. In a detailed statement the police noted a series of facts and numerical indicators which indicate that safety in Makarska cannot be brought into question. Police chiefs at the Split-Dalmatia Police Department said an investigation into the case when unknown persons threw the hand grenade was still underway and the police should be allowed to do their job and find the perpetrators. Speaking about terrorism or an attack on the city authorities is premature until the perpetrators are not disclosed and their motive, the police statement said, reminding that the hand grenade was activated in the street and not thrown at any house or yard and it cannot be said that the attack was personally directed. This cannot be referred to as an act of terrorism until the motive is disclosed, the statement said. The police reminded that preparations for the tourist season had been conducted and that several hundred policemen were on duty in Makarska in uniform or in plain clothes. (hina) sp ms