INTERIOR MINISTER SATISFIED WITH SECURITY AT CRO EASTERN BORDERS

BAJAKOVO, Apr 20 (Hina) - Croatian Interior Minister Ivan Penic and associates on Tuesday visited Croatia's eastern border crossings with Yugoslavia - Erdut, Ilok, and Bajakovo. The security situation at Croatia's eastern border is very good, Penic told reporters in Bajakovo. "We visited three border bridges which were shelled - the road and railway bridges in Erdut, and the bridge in Ilok. Due to security reasons, people on foot and vehicles are still prevented from crossing," Penic said. Local border traffic with Yugoslavia has been temporarily discontinued last Saturday, the minister said, adding: "We want security on the state border, as well as public peace and order, to remain very good." The visa regime for Yugoslavia remains in force, Penic said. Asked whether Croatia would close its borders with Yugoslavia if the situation in the neighbouring country deteriorated further, the interior minister said he did not consider that possibility, given the fact that inter-state traffic between Croatia and Yugoslavia was practically non-existent. Yugoslavia itself passed certain decisions banning its citizens from leaving the country, he added. Commenting on a NATO missile which fell not far from Sarengrad the night before last, Penic said he did not wish to make too much of an issue out of it. "Our Defence Ministry has good relations with NATO and the case will certainly be solved," he said, adding it was very fortunate the missile had not fallen on inhabited territory. The interior minister confirmed an aircraft fuel tank, with several bullet-shots, had been found near Tovarnik. It is assumed the pilot discharged it for personal safety. (hina) ha jn