SLAVONSKI BROD AUTHORITIES TALK WITH IFOR COMMANDERS

SLAVONSKI BROD, Jan 28 (Hina) - Prefect of Slavonski Brod County, Antun Pitlovic, and Mayor of Slavonski Brod, Mato Vukelic, Sunday held talks with the commander of IFOR (NATO-Led Implementation Force) logistics, based in Zagreb, American General William Farmen, and the commander of the IFOR logistics, based in Zupanja, German 1st Lieutenant Karl Heinz Rambke. #L# They discussed the security and safety of Slavonski Brod citizens, cooperation with IFOR offices in Zagreb and Zupanja, accommodation of IFOR troops, possible economic cooperation with IFOR forces and compensation for damage made near the railway station at Slavonski Brod. Gen. Farmen voiced satisfaction with cooperation of Croatian authorities in Zupanja. Speaking about the safety and security of citizens of Slavonski Brod and Zupanja, which lie on the left bank of the Sava river, whereas Bosnian Serbs are occupying the opposite part of the right bank (some Bosnian Posavina areas), the American general said that the Implementation Force was in Bosnia to impose and ensure peace, and the IFOR would do so. As regards the very important strategic position of Slavonski Brod, NATO is considering to build another bridge over Sava near the Croatian town and to open an IFOR office in Slavonski Brod. According to figures disclosed by the general, about 30,000 NATO troops have passed to Bosnia-Herzegovina over the Sava river so far, and another 30,000 soldiers are to cross into that country. The crossing could not to be carried out in line with the planned speed due to bad weather, he added. The German 1st Lieutenant said he would consider possibilities of economic cooperation between the IFOR and Slavonski Brod. (hina) mms 281959 MET jan 96