CROATIA'S U.N. DECISION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE, FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS

ZAGREB, Jan 13 (Hina) - Croatia's decision to end the UNPROFOR mandate on March 31 is not negotiable, Foreign Minister Mate Granic told a press conference in Zagreb today. Granic said Croatia, as an independent and sovereign country, wanted to assume its share of responsibility and resolve the problem of occupied areas as an internal affair, with the help of the international community. Under the current circumstances, Croatia wanted to intensify talks with Serb representatives from the UN-protected areas within the framework of the Croatian Constitution and Security Council resolutions. "Croatia doesn't want to be a hostage to the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, to Slobodan Milosevic's policies and the international community's disunity," Granic emphasised. Granic stressed Croatia's willingness to fully implement the December 2 economic agreement with UNPA Serbs. "If talks on the reintegration of occupied territories end in success by March 31, Croatia is willing to discuss the international supervision of the implementation of the agreement and the establishment of mechanisms to strengthen mutual confidence," Granic said. Croatia was after support from major world powers and the Geneva conference co-chairmen to pressure Belgrade to disown Knin and to agree to Yugoslavia and Croatia recognising each other, he said. Granic further explained that the decision to end the UNPROFOR mandate did not mean a break in relations with the UN. UNPROFOR was offered the opportunity of keeping its headquarters in Zagreb so it could continue its mission in Bosnia- Herzegovina. It was also given the option of gradually transferring its troops to Bosnia and of retaining necessary logistic centres for its Bosnia mission. Granic also commented on the initial international responses to Croatia's decision on the UN mandate. He said that the first reactions illustrated concern and, in some cases, even opposition - but no one questioned Croatia's right to make such a decision. Croatia understood such concerns but had enough experience and political nous to succeed in such efforts, Granic said. He added that this would not thwart international efforts but would "actively and constructively contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina." Granic said he expected UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros- Ghali to respond soon to a letter by Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and "bring UN political efforts in this region into line with requests raised in the President's letter." (hina) mm sd vm 131450 MET jan 95