NOT SECRET NEGOTIATIONS TO WITHDRAW ARMY FROM BRCKO

SARAJEVO, Aug 24 (Hina) - Spokesman for the Stabilisation Forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina (SFOR) Gordon Welsh on Tuesday denied allegations that secret negotiations had commenced on the withdrawal of Bosnian Serb military forces from Brcko which was proclaimed a district. At a press conference held in Sarajevo, Welsh emphasised that a demilitarised zone to be established in Brcko would be introduced gradually an in an obvious manner in keeping with an arbitrary decision to proclaim the town a district. The international arbitration tribunal last week brought a final decision on the status of Brcko and the method of functioning in the new district. The decision foresees the withdrawal of all military forces; local residents would be exempt of military service while both military entities would be guaranteed free passage through the region with the condition that these movements do not pose a threat of aggression. Serb media outlets recently published articles regarding secret negotiations for the withdrawal of Serb forces from the region. Welsh noted that any decision regarding demilitarisation would be brought jointly including representatives of both military entities. (hina) sp