IFOR DEMANDS INVESTIGATION INTO MOSTAR EVICTIONS

SARAJEVO, 13 Dec (Hina) - Representatives of the International Implementation Force (IFOR) demanded internal investigations within Croatian Defence Council (HVO) structures in Bosnia-Herzegovina, so that it could be established whether HVO members had been involved in recent illegal expulsions of people from their flats in west Mostar. #L# IFOR spokesman in Sarajevo Jan Joosten stated in Sarajevo Friday that a letter with those requests had been sent to the HVO Chief-Of-Staff, General Zivko Budimir. We reminded him that his troops should not have anything to do with expulsions and proposed to him to personally carry out an investigation, Joosten said. An IFOR deputy commander, General Cordy Simpson yesterday met in Mostar with a local HVO commander, who, according to Joosten, confirmed that HVO members had not been involved in expulsions nor did they have any intention of getting involved in the problem. UN spokesman Alexander Ivanko stated that international police had strong evidence that HVO members were connected with a case of expulsion in west Mostar, adding that other complaints were being checked. At a meeting with his closest associates, which took place yesterday, General Crouch clearly said that in case it was proved that HVO was involved in the expulsions, a quick military action would be undertaken, IFOR spokesman Joosten said. At the moment, there was not enough evidence which would prove that HVO had organized a campaign of some kind, as the expulsions were rather acts committed by individuals, Joosten said. (hina) rm mm 131443 MET dec 96