ANNAN MOOTS SIX MONTHS EXTENSION FOR OBSERVERS IN PREVLAKA

NEW YORK, Jan 8 (Hina) - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested to the UN Security Council that the unchanged mandate of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP) be extended until July 15 of this year. In a report issued in New York on Friday, Annan described the situation in Prevlaka as "stable and free of significant tension". He warned that, contrary to the decision on the demilitarisation of this most southern Croatian peninsula, there is the "continued presence of Yugoslav Army troops in the north-eastern part of the zone". The UNMOP could not ascertain the exact strength and armament of these units due to constraints imposed by the Yugoslav authorities. The presence of Montenegrin and Croatian border police does not present a violation of provisions on demilitarisation, the UNMOP reported. Annan warned of Croatia allowing access for civilians, including Croatian and foreign tourists. He recalled that three meetings between representatives of the Croatian and Yugoslav governments had taken place so far, but progress leading to a solution to contentious issues had not been achieved. The UN Secretary-General also suggested that the Security Council request of Zagreb and Belgrade to report, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, on the results of bilateral negotiations. Annan offered the services and mediation of his representative in the talks. If a solution or substantial progress is not achieved by July, Annan said "alternative mechanisms" should be considered, including international arbitration or mediation. The Security Council is expected to discuss the report next week, and a new, seventh resolution on Prevlaka will follow. (hina) lml mm