US GENERAL HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN RIJEKA

RIJEKA, March 1 (Hina) - The United States commander for the operation of the shipment of equipment to U.S. troops in Bosnia- Herzegovina, Major General Charles S. Mahan, on Monday held a press conference, after a U.S. ship with military equipment for American troops in Bosnia, "Antares", entered the northern Croatian seaport of Rijeka on Sunday. The U.S. soldiers deployed within the SFOR (Stabilisation Force) in Bosnia troops will continue to use the seaport of Rijeka and the Krk airport for logistic operations, because the first such operation, which took place in August 1998, was very successful, said Mahan and added that the current logistic operation was progressing in accordance with expectations. The operation, which includes the dispatchment of 77 military vehicles, 40 helicopters and 251 containers of equipment and materials, is a good example of the U.S. forces' successful cooperation with friendly local authorities. Mahan expressed his gratitude to the Croatian Government and local authorities, as well as the Croatian military and police, for their support during the previous and current operations. The equipment will be transported to the north-east Bosnian city of Tuzla by train and by air. The operation, which engages about 300 soldiers and civilians, will be completed by the end of March. (hina) it ms