SFOR ANNOUNCES REPLACEMENT OF AMERICAN UNITS IN BOSNIA

( Editorial: --> 9300 ) ZAGREB, July 22 (Hina) - The United States First Cavalry Division will during August replace the US First Armoured Division which is acting as part of the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia. The equipment and soldiers will arrive from Fort Hood, Texas, to the Croatian port of Rijeka, SFOR's Information Centre in Zagreb said in a statement on Wednesday. As host, Croatia will cooperate with SFOR in this operation, the statement said. SFOR soldiers will be present to coordinate transport in Rijeka, but the operation will not cause any traffic problems for the northern Adriatic city's residents, it added. Most equipment will be transported by rail to Tuzla, north-eastern Bosnia, while only a small portion will be transported by road. Late in August, the First Infantry Division's helicopters will also reach Rijeka, where they will be assembled and then be directed to the city's airport on the nearby island of Krk. After technical check-ups, the helicopters will fly to Tuzla. Meanwhile, the United States Information Service (USIS) based at the American Embassy in Zagreb released a statement which said that contrary to some press reports, there were absolutely no plans for the establishment of a US or NATO military base in Rijeka. The First Cavalry Division's transit through Rijeka to replace the First Armoured Division was a normal rotation of military units into SFOR, the statement said. "The US Embassy is pleased with the level of support extended by the Croatian Government and local officials," the statement said. (Hina) ha jn /+mbr 222144 MET jul 98