GRANIC'S STATEMENT ON CRO ARMY WITHDRAWAL FROM FORMER UNPAS

ZAGREB, May 12 (Hina) - Following is a statement by Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic, released on Friday: "In order to strengthen the stability and security in the region and to facilitate international peace-keeping efforts on its territory, the Republic of Croatia is undertaking the following measures: 1. The units of the Croatian army have withdrawn from the region of Western Slavonia, except from areas along the international border with the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Croatian police in Western Slavonia is performing its regular duties and is assisting other relevant State authorities in the process of peaceful reintegration of this region with the rest of the country. The relevant international organisations, and in particular members of the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia, or UNCRO, will enjoy undisturbed access and freedom of movement in the area. 2. The Croatian army units are in the process of withdrawal from the Zone of Separation in sector Knin (formerly South). ALl units will complete their withdrawal by Sunday, 14 May. The Croatian Government has already undertaken similar steps in sector Glina (formerly North) and sector Eastern Slavonia (formerly East) and will finish with withdrawal in a reasonable time. The Croatian army has assumed positions in these sector as a preventive measure to protect major civilian centres. 3. The Government of the Republic of Croatia in cooperation with UNCRO Civil Affairs Sector is finalising the Status of Force Sgreement (SOFA) and expects to sign it by Monday, 15 May. 4. Mr. Hrvoje Sarinic, Head of the State Commission for Relations with UNCRO is in continuous contact with Mr. Yasushi Akashi, special representative of the Secretary General, regarding the implementation of the aforementioned tasks. Croatia welcomes an active role of the international community in achieving stability in the region and in this regard is ready to cooperate fully with the United Nations and other relevant international institutions," the statement said. (hina) mm as 122150 MET may 95