OHR, SFOR CALL ON CROATIA TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN CASE OF MARTIN BROD

SARAJEVO, Dec 18 (Hina) - The Office of the High Representative (OHR) for implementation of the Dayton agreement and Stabilisation Force on Friday called on Croatia to restrain from moves which could increase tensions in the area of Martin Brod (western BH/southern Croatia) and solve disputable border issues with Bosnia within a special commission for borders. The current situation in Martin Brod is peaceful, Deputy High Representative Simon Haselock told reporters in Sarajevo today, dismissing claims that SFOR had demonstrated unnecessary force in Martin Brod. Haselock said Martin Brod was part of Bosnia-Herzegovina and called on Croatian authorities to see to it that there were no Croatian soldiers or police officers there, because it would be considered highly inappropriate. Asked to comment on December 14 speech of the Croatian President Franjo Tudjman at the opening of a veterans' military school "Ban Josip Jelacic", regarding unresolved border issues in Martin Brod, Haselock said one should not pay too much attention to Tudjman's speech. SFOR spokesman Glenn Chamberlain declined to say whether Croatian police forces were still present in the area of Martin Brod. Our aim was and is to see that the situation in Martin Brod remains peaceful as it is now, he added. (hina) rml