HIGHLIGHTS OF RESOLUTION 982 ON EXTENSION OF UN MANDATE IN BOSNIA

ZAGREB, Apr 2 (Hina) - On March 31 the UN Security Council passed the Resolution 982 on extending the UN mandate in Bosnia- Herzegovina until November 30, 1995. The Resolution 982 reads that UN Protection Force's (UNPROFOR) mandate in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be extended for an additional period terminating on November 30, 1995, while all previous relevant resolutions relating to UNPROFOR should continue to apply. The Resolution 982 authorizes the UN Security-General to redeploy before June 30, 1995, all UNPROFOR personnel and assets from the Republic of Croatia with the exception of those whose continued presence in Croatia is required for UNCRO or for the functions envisaged in the implementation of the March 29, 1994 Cease-Fire Agreement and the December 2, 1994 Economic Agreement between the Republic of Croatia and local Serb authorities. The Resolution adds that some of UNPROFOR members should continue facilitating the delivery of international humanitarian aid to Bosnia-Herzegovina through Croatia until the effective deployment of UNCRO or June 30, 1995. The Resolution reads that UNPROFOR shall retain its existing support structures in the Republic of Croatia including the operation of its headquarters. The Resolution emphasizes the responsibility of the parties and other concerned in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina for the security and safety of UNPROFOR and in this context demands that all parties and other concerned refrain from any acts of intimidation or violence against UNPROFOR. The Resolution reiterates the importance it attaches to full compliance with the agreements between the Bosnian parties on a cease-fire and on a complete cessation of hostilities in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It calls on the parties to agree to a further extension and implementation of those agreements beyond April 30, 1995, and to use that period to negotiate an overall peaceful settlement on the basis of the acceptance of the Contact Group peace plan as a starting point; and urges Bosnian Serbs to accept this plan. In the resolution UN Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. (hina) mms 021137 MET apr 95