CROATIA'S LAST WARNING ON 20,000 WEST BOSNIAN REFUGEES

KARLOVAC, Nov 7 (Hina) - Karlovac County leaders and a Government delegation including Prime Minister Nikica Valentic and three deputies, Mate Granic, Ivica Kostovic and Jure Radic, today discussed the problem of 20,000 West Bosnian refugees staying in the Karlovac suburb of Turanj for the last three months. The refugees wanted to cross over to Croatian government- controlled territory and as many as 500 had been caught in their attempts. Kostovic said these people, who were actually seeking political asylum, could not be granted refugee status because the Bosnian government controlled the area they had fled. Granic suggested that the UN be asked to exempt Turanj from a 'blue zone' and place it under the direct control of the Croatian government. Meanwhile, Valentic warned of a possible humanitarian disaster with winter approaching. This is our last warning to international agencies, the Bosnian government, Serbs in the UNPA and to the refugees themselves that it's impossible for Croatia to receive them. It's not a question of goodwill but of realistic circumstances, Valentic said. (hina) mm sd vm 072124 MET nov 94