SFOR CONFISCATED ILLEGAL WEAPONS IN MOSTAR

SARAJEVO, Oct 14 (Hina) - Stabilisation Force (SFOR) spokesman in Sarajevo Jacques Poitras on Thursday confirmed that members of the SFOR started an operation in the southern Bosnia-Herzegovina town of Mostar which aimed at confiscating illegal weapons. SFOR members started the safety operation in Mostar to prevent actions which directly violate the Dayton Agreement, Poitras told a press conference. SFOR's firm measures are in line with the agreement's military part. All confiscated weapons will be checked and if the investigation determines that weapons are illegal, the weapons will be handed over to local authorities, Poitras told reporters. The SFOR will also keep in custody all persons who posses illegal weapons. The participation of military forces in this operation was necessary because local authorities refused to undertake measures which would prevent illegal activities directed against the Dayton Agreement, the SFOR spokesman said. He stressed that this operation should be a warning to all those who would try to jeopardise the safety of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Poitras said he was informed of local media in Mostar which invited Mostar residents to demonstrate. The spokesman called on all residents to remain calm and to enable the completion of the operation. Spokesman of the United Nations mission in Sarajevo Douglas Coffman said that members of the International Police Task Forces were not participating in the operation. (hina) it mm