YUGOSLAVIA TEMPORARILY OPENS DANUBE FOR NAVIGATION

BELGRADE, Sept 27 (Hina) - The Yugoslav government has decided to open the Danube for navigation on its territory at Novi Sad, but refused to assume responsibility for navigation safety. Yugoslav Vice Premier Miroljub Labus said on Thursday his country did not want to be responsible for navigation as the danger of unexploded mines which ended up in the Danube during the 1999 NATO bombings was still present. "The Danube Commission and the European Union insisted on the opening of the navigation route saying the risk was not that high because there were unexploded mines from World War II in other rivers as well," Labus said. He added Yugoslav authorities were under great pressure because they had suffered great losses due to the route being closed for traffic. Labus also said there was a dispute between the EU and Yugoslavia regarding the clearing up of the Danube. According to EU regulations, the financing of any project requires a public tender while the Yugoslav law regulates the clearing up of the river can be carried out by the Yugoslav army alone. Before the Danube is opened for navigation, a special ship will pass the route to confirm the navigation is safe, however, "this does not increase security", Labus said. (hina) rml