IFOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON 'OPERATION VOLCANO'

ZAGREB, August 18 (Hina) - Ground forces commander of the NATO-led Peace Implementation Force (IFOR), Lt. Gen. Michael Walker, on Sunday warned the Bosnian Serb Army that the destroying of the found ammunition at an unauthorized site near Margetici in Republika Srpska was a completely lawful move on IFOR's part and that the Serb side should not raise a crisis. "The irresponsible threats made by certain (Bosnian Serb Army) officers are calculated to raise ill-feeling and unease among the Bosnian Serb population", said a statement issued by IFOR in occasion of "Operation Volcano", as the operation of destroying more than 300 tons of explosives and ammunition found in Margetici was called. "This is not a crisis and the Bosnian Serb Army should not try to raise it to one. The rules...call for the ammunition and mines to be stored and guarded, so that Bosnia can be free from any threat - deliberate or accidental - to the peace that the Dayton Agreement promised", said Walker. He added that the found explosive posed a danger to the population in the area and that the Bosnian Serb civil and military leadership were fully acquainted with the planned programme and reasons for the destroying of the explosive and ammunition. Between 1,500 and 2,000 IFOR soldiers are taking part in "Operation Volcano". (hina) ha 181403 MET aug 96