SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIRMS TERMINATION OF UNTAES MANDATE

( Editorial: --> 9816 ) WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Hina) - The UN Security Council on Friday confirmed with a resolution that the UNTAES mandate in eastern Croatia ends January 15, 1998. The Security Council approved the establishment of a support group of 180 civil police observers. According to the unanimously adopted resolution 1145, the Council took notice of the termination of the UNTAES mandate on January 15, 1998 and gave it full support until its completion. The Security Council almost a year ago determined that the UNTAES mandate would end early next year, and today's resolution only confirmed that decision. The Council urged Croatia to carry out its commitments and enable the return of displaced persons and refugees. The UN Secretary General has to submit a new report by June 15, 1998. (hina) ha mm 192101 MET dec 97