SFOR RETURNS CONFISCATED WEAPONS TO CRO COUNCIL OF DEFENCE

SARAJEVO, Jan 28 (Hina) - Members of NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia on Thursday started returning weapons and equipment confiscated on January 9 from Croatian Defence Council (HVO) buildings, SFOR spokeswoman Sheena Thompson told reporters in Sarajevo. The SFOR decided to return the weapons and equipment because SFOR commander General Montgomery Meigs was satisfied with Bosnian Croats' willingness to respect previously issued instructions on the appointment and promotion of generals in the armies of Bosnia's two entities. Thompson said the return of the weapons and equipment was to be completed in several days. General Meigs and Bosnian Croat leader Ante Jelavic met on Tuesday and cleared misunderstandings which came in the wake of the appointments and promotion of a larger number of HVO generals to commanding duties in the army of the Bosnian Federation. It was agreed then for the Bosnian Croat side to submit all necessary documentation to confirm the proposed appointments. Unresolved remains the issue of appointing a deputy commander of the Federal Army. According to Thompson, the reason why the appointment has not been confirmed remains confidential and the two sides are continuing talks. Federal Army deputy commander General Zivko Budimir has been relieved of duty and his future duties are not yet known. (hina) it jn