KORCULA RESIDENTS SURPRISED AT SUSPENSION OF HVO GENERAL

( Editorial: --> 7724 ) BLATO, Sept 2 (Hina) - The residents of Korcula, a Croatian island ravaged in a large fire in August, have expressed surprise at the suspension of Croatian Defence Council (HVO) general Stanko Sopta, who commanded the unit which helped Korcula residents put out the fire. The leadership of the Korcula municipality of Blato on Wednesday issued a statement expressing gratitude to all people from Croatia and abroad who helped them in fighting the disastrous fire which lasted two weeks. "That is why we are surprised at the fact that for offering help, as was the case with the HVO, one may be held accountable," the statement said. The residents of Blato are grateful to the HVO General Stanko Sopta for his help at a time when it was most needed, the statement added. Sopta was temporarily suspended by the Croat member of the Bosnia- Herzegovina Presidency, Kresimir Zubak, following a request by the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) commander, Gen. Eric Shinseki. Zubak is the civil commander of Croat units of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina armed forces. Gen. Shinseki said he made his request because of disallowed movements of Sopta's unit. Zubak said Sunday he had requested the Joint Command and Federation Defence Ministry to investigate into the claims against Sopta, after which he would make his final decision. (hina) rml 022200 MET sep 98