SFOR TO REDUCE FORCE BUT KEEP CURRENT MANDATE

SARAJEVO, Nov 2 (Hina) - The chief commander of NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR), General Ron Adams, on Tuesday confirmed the SFOR would begin a reorganisation process in December, including a reduction of manpower. Speaking to the press in Sarajevo, Adams said the SFOR would have about 20,000 soldiers in Bosnia instead of the present 32,000. Each of the 40 countries which have their soldiers in Bosnia will pass separate decisions on the number of manpower they will keep on the ground. This will lead to considerable saving, said Adams, adding the most important aspect was that SFOR's mandate would not suffer alterations. The reduction of SFOR manpower will not affect its ability to ensure the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement and pursue the apprehension of war crimes suspects, the general added. According to a plan okayed last week by the North Atlantic Council, the SFOR in Bosnia will be divided into three sectors controlled by divisions based in Banja Luka, Tuzla, and Mostar. The SFOR will retain at its disposal the present number of helicopters for speedy interventions in all parts of Bosnia. General Adams reminded the SFOR could count in case of any crisis on a speedy and mass support of forces currently stationed in NATO bases outside Bosnia. (hina) ha jn