OUTGOING GEN. DE LAPRESLE ON UNPROFOR'S FUTURE IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Feb 28 (Hina) - UNPROFOR's departure from Croatia would be a major drama, but I guess it won't happen afterall, since talks are underway, the outgoing UN Force Commander, Gen. de Lapresle, told a news conference today. "Lots of things can happen in the next few months," he said. "And they will, because the international communiy has an important job in the whole affair." "This is why I hope and expect that we will close the present mandate on March 31 but begin another form of activity, although I don't know under which name and with what tasks, on April 1," he said, stressing the need for the continued implementation of the agreements that had been signed. He said the initial communication problems between UNPROFOR and NATO had been quickly overcome after their tasks were more clearly laid out. There were no disagreements between UNPROFOR and NATO regarding flights over Tuzla, he said. After comparing notes, NATO and UNPROFOR agreed that the so- called mystery flights were in fact regular NATO flights afterall, that there was no evidence of any landing or delivery, and that NATO and UNPROFOR would soon issue a joint report to clarify the matter. The fledgling Force Commander, Gen. Bernard Janvier, said his chief tasks would be to ensure the successful implementation of the UN mandate and the safety of the personnel, and to maintain close links with humanitarian and civilian organisations. (hina) jn as sd 281548 MET feb 95