CRO SERBS REQUEST CESSATION OF MILITARY ACTIVITIES IN YUGOSLAVIA

ZAGREB, March 31 (Hina) - The Serb National Council (SNV) on Wednesday requested "an immediate and unconditional cessation of all military activities on the whole territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its neighbourhood". The SNV, an association gathering several Croatian Serb minority organisations, also suggested an unconditional beginning of political talks. In a statement released "in connection with the armed aggression of NATO forces against Yugoslavia", the SNV requests that the peace initiative "be taken over immediately by the legitimate bodies of the United Nations". The SNV requests and proposes that "peace conferences on the newly- established states start immediately under the auspices of the U.N., with the aim of bringing about a good and permanent solution to the burning issue of the minority status in those countries, thus securing a long-term and just peace in south-east Europe". "We direct our appeal to the competent authorities of our country - the Republic of Croatia - to show more understanding for the need of more efficiently issuing permits for the return of refugees, our compatriots, to their homes, which they have been waiting for some time", the SNV statement said. Another Croatian Serb organisation, the National Council of Serbs, today issued an appeal to the Croatian public to help stop the war in Yugoslavia. (hina) jn rml