KOSCHNICK SUGGESTS EXTENSION OF MOSTAR MANDATE

MOSTAR, Feb 23 (Hina) - European Union's official in Mostar voiced optimism over political process following the Rome agreement, but said it would take time. "There are signs of good political on both sides, to take steps forward, but it will take time," Klaus Metscher, aide to the EU administrator in the city, told a news conference Friday. More and more people have been crossing every day between the two parts of the city, he added, since Tuesday when a total freedom of movement was introduced. Officers with the West European Union (WEU) police force said that around 1,000 people have been crossing daily. Metscher said no incidents were reported over past 36 hours. As of March 1 joint police patrols would start touring all the city area, he said, adding that a joint police criminalist department has already been established. EU administrator Hans Koschnick has recommended to the EU Ministerial Council to accept the demand by Croat and Bosniac authorities that the EU mandate in the city be extended for another six months. The Ministerial Council would discuss the issue on its session in Brussels on Monday. Koschnick would also attend, Metscher said. (Hina) mm bk 231317 MET feb 96