KOSCHNIK BLASE ABOUT THREATS TO HIS LIFE AND EAGER TO BRAVE IT

MOSTAR, Sept 1 (Hina) - The EU Administrator of Mostar, Hans Koschnik, today denied rumours he was about to resign and leave Mostar. "I intend to stay here for two years," he told a news conference in Mostar today. Asked about an alleged attempt on his life, Koschnik avoided the issue, saying: "I am an old man and it's good to visit my family from time to time - it's no catastrophe if I leave Mostar for a few days." Koschnik denied that he met German Foreign Minister, Kinkel, in Zagreb, and discussed the difficult situation in Mostar. He said he only spoke to Kinkel via telephone. "I am here as a representative of the European Union, and Kinkel is at the Union's helm now, this was the sole reason for our phone conversation," Koschnik said. He also denied that he met Croatian President Tudjman a few days ago. "I haven't seen Tudjman for six months," Koschnik said. He again spoke of his vision of Mostar as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural city, with each nation maintaining its identity. He said his short-term goals would be to reopen as many streets as possible to traffic and to activate the economy. He confirmed the arrival of the first group of EU police, expected in Mostar sometime next week. (hina) mm as sd 011851 MET sep 94