WHY I DIDN'T WANT TO OPEN THE BRIDGE TODAY, KOSCHNIK EXPLAINS

MOSTAR, Feb 24 (Hina) - EU Administrator, Hans Kochnik, has released an official statement explaining his noticeable absence at the opening of a Neretva River bridge - which he, in fact, was to have opened today. Bosnian Croat officials, who opened the bridge themselves, said earlier today that Koschnik would not open the bridge because of Croat flags adorning it. "I considered it important that the European Administration should not be used for the national promotion of either side," Koschnik said in a statement. "My personal respect for national symbols forbids me to take part in propaganda meetings bedecked with flags," he said. "That's why we have cancelled the opening of the Potoci- Vojno bridge." The bridge is situated in Potoci, a village about 10 km north of Mostar, and its construction was sponsored by the European Union administration of Mostar. Noting that he had given a timely warning of his absence to Western Mostar Mayor, Mijo Brajkovic, Koschnik said that the bridge would be opened to traffic from 12:00 hours Monday, after a technical inspection. (hina) jn as sd 241732 MET feb 95