DEADLINE FOR HANDING ILLEGAL WEAPONRY IN E. CROATIA EXTENDED

( Editorial: --> 1937 ) VUKOVAR, Jan 1 (Hina) - The Command of the Transitional Police Force on Thursday decided to extend the deadline for handing over illegal weaponry in eastern Croatia until January 5. The decision was made due to a satisfactory response on the residents' part and numerous requests for an extension of the deadline. The handing over of illegal weaponry began December 27 and according to the TPS, some 165,000 pieces of ammunition, 970 hand grenades, 42 kilograms of explosive, 388 rifles, 451 mines, 59 hand rocket launchers, 39 machine guns, five guns, 835 ammunition clips, 185 fuses and 212 other weapons have been handed over so far. The deadline for the non-punishable handing over of weaponry has been extended on the requests of residents and local leaders in eastern Croatia who suggested they would organise the collecting of illegal weaponry themselves, TPS spokesman Slavko Rako told reporters. Once they determine a place for the collecting, they have to notify the police who will provide security until the deadline expires, Rako said. He also thanked residents of the area for their cooperation and expressed satisfaction that New Year's Eve in eastern Croatia witnessed no damage. (hina) ha 011854 MET jan 98