SFOR ACTION IN MARTIN BROD ONE-SIDED & HASTY - SAYS VONS

ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - The Croatian Defence and National Security Council (VONS) on Wednesday held a special session chaired by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman discussing a one-sided operation of NATO's Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in the Martin Brod area. SFOR members on Wednesday morning expelled Croatian policemen who were stationed around Martin Brod, a Croatian-Bosnian border town. The VONS assessed that such, one-sided and hasty actions by the SFOR, at a time when diplomatic talks on certain issues were being held, could have incalculably negative consequences, said a statement from the President's Office. President Tudjman was contacted with regard to the matter by NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana, as well as by NATO Europe commander General Wesley Clark. Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic discussed the issue with the international High Representative for Bosnia Carlos Westendorp. President Tudjman and NATO's officials agreed that SFOR forces immediately withdraw from the Martin Brod territory, and that civil authorities resume control. It was also agreed that all open border issues, including Martin Brod, be resolved through dialogue on the level of the Croatian and Bosnian state commissions for borders, the statement concluded. (hina) ha mm