SFOR ISSUES MOVEMENT, TRAINING BAN FOR CRO DEFENCE COUNCIL IN BH

SARAJEVO, Jan 27 (Hina) - The command of NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday confirmed a movement and training ban came into force on January 26 for units of the Croatian Defence Council (HVO). According to a statement the SFOR issued today, the measure was introduced because the HVO, the Croat component of the army of Bosnia's Croat-Muslim Federation, did not comply with SFOR commanders' earlier set demands and instructions. The HVO refused to submit information requested by the SFOR, a rule which is mandatory for all entity armies in Bosnia. The SFOR command points out in the statement the HVO was not requested to comply with any particularly complex condition, and emphasises the movement and training ban was introduced because armed forces in Bosnia must comply with SFOR-issued instructions. The ban refers only to members and units of the HVO, whereas the Muslim component of the Federation's army, as well as the Bosnian Serb army, have not been put under restriction due to their complete cooperation in the exchange of requested information and compliance with other conditions set by the SFOR. (hina) ha mm