HDZ'S INTENT IS TO DISSOLVE HVO -- SAYS NHI

SARAJEVO, March 8 (Hina) - The New Croat Initiative (NHI) called on members of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) in the Bosnian Federation army not to accept decisions of the "illegitimate Croat National Assembly" which could lead to the dissolution of the troops. The NHI statement said at Mostar's meeting the Croat National Assembly concluded the commander of the Croat section of the federal army has the authority to dissolve HVO troops. The NHI warned several meetings with commanders took place and activities have been initiated to lead to realising this conclusion, the statement said. The NHI warned all members of the federal army that the Croat National Assembly is not a legitimate institutions, and its decisions are contrary to both the Constitution and the Defence Law. HVO soldiers and officers are called on not to accept implementing of decisions or any actions which would lead to the dissolution of their troops, as this would at the moment be harmful to the interests of the Croat people in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) after exiting legitimate bodies of authority in Bosnia-Herzegovina is not trying to manipulate HVO members to protect narrow party interests, the NHI stressed. (hina) lml