SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS U.N. MANDATE IN EX-YUGOSLAVIA

NEW YORK, April 1 (Hina) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 908 to extend the mandate of the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia until 30 September this year, increase the Force's strength by an additional 3,500 troops and extend close air support to Croatia. The resolution was adopted Thursday night local time. By 30 April the Security Council will decide on the further troop requirements recommended by the secretary-general. The Resolution reaffirms the Security Council's commitment to ensure respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia. The Resolution welcomes the cease-fire agreement between the Croatian government and the Serb local authorities in the UN- protected areas (UNPAs), signed at the Russian embassy in Zagreb on 29 March, as well as discussions between Croatia and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) pursuant to the joint statement of 19 January. The Security Council urges Croatia and Serb local authorities to comply with the 29 March cease-fire agreement and to work on confidence-building. It also urges them to revive the work of the Joint Commission to address communication links and economic issues, emphasizing the importance of the immediate reopening of the Adriatic oil pipeline. Welcoming the cease-fire agreements and the Washington agreements between the Bosnian government and the Bosnian Croats, the Security Council underlines the importance of including the Bosnian Serbs into further efforts to achieve an overall negotiated settlement. Expressing concern for the situation in Maglaj, the Security Council demands that the Bosnian Serbs cease all military operations against this town. Resolution 908 approves UNPROFOR's plans to reopen Tuzla airport for humanitarian purposes and authorizes an additional 160 people to carry out the plan. 011149 MET apr 94