IPTF SPOKESMAN APOLOGISES TO LIVNO AUTHORITIES

LIVNO, Aug 14 (Hina) - A spokesman for the International Police Task Force (IPTF) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Alun Roberts, apologised to the Croat authorities in the southwestern town of Livno on Thursday for accusing them of blackmail. Roberts said at his last news conference in Livno that the town authorities blackmailed Moslem returnees in that municipality. However, that unconfirmed piece of information turned out to be incorrect after verification, he said. Roberts and spokesman for the NATO-led peace Stabilisation Force (SFOR) Lt. Col. Michael Wright reported on the reform of special police forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina in conformity with the Dayton peace agreement and instructions by NATO and other international institutions in the country. Speaking of the return of displaced Moslems to the central town of Jajce, the spokesmen for the IPTF, SFOR and UNHCR expressed hope that Croat police in Jajce would work professionally during that process. (hina) vm 141815 MET aug 97