POLICE ACTION IN KUPLJENSKO WAS LAWFUL - MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

ZAGREB, Feb 16 (Hina) - The Croatian Interior Ministry on Friday issued a statement denying "unfounded reports and inaccurate information" broadcast by the media covering a press conference by the Human Rights Protection Group in Zagreb on Friday. The press conference had been called in connection with a police action in a refugee camp in Kupljensko on the 1st of February, when 69 people had been taken to the police court for various offenses. The Croatian police took over control of the Kupljensko camp on October 18, at which time there were between 25,000 and 30,000 refugees. Since then, about 20,000 refugees have voluntarily returned to the Velika Kladusa area of northwestern Bosnia, according to the statement. Of the 8,000 refugees currently staying at the camp, about 1,000 are armed with small arms and grenades, the statement said. These armed men are the main culprits for the violence and smuggling which is going on at the camp, the statement said, listing the most serious of these crimes: three murders, several rapes and consistent intimidation of those wishing to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The action was carried out in a lawful way and the refugees' rights were not violated, the statement said, adding that the UNHCR had been notified of the action in advance and had approved it. (hina) mm as vm 161926 MET feb 96