POLICE WILL BLOCK ZAGREB MAIN SQUARE BUT WON'T USE FORCE

( Editorial: --> 3230 ) ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - Police will on Friday block access to Zagreb's main city square, but warrants that it will not resort to force against the protesters, Rally Preparation Committee member Boris Kunst said Thursday in relation to a union protest rally set for 20 February at Ban Jelacic Square. Today Kunst held talks with the head of Zagreb police, Jakob Bukvic. According to Kunst, Bukvic reiterated his warning to the Committee about possible consequences the rally might have and suggested that the rally location be either Maksimir Park or the recreation centre by Jarun Lake, as suggested by city authorities. "Considering that at the moment the Committee is not in its full composition, and that neither Maksimir nor Jarun correspond with our goals, we could not accept that decision", Kunst said, adding that the protesters would nevertheless try to rally on the main square. The Committee also guarantees safety to all residents as a security service will be set up to ensure order and peace at the rally, if necessary in cooperation with the police, Kunst said. He added that the Rally Preparation Committee considered the decision of the Zagreb City assembly on locations permitting public gatherings should be altered. It made sense only during the war, Kunst said. (hina) ha jn 192141 MET feb 98