CROATIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WARNS EU ON SITUATION IN CENTRAL BOSNIA

ZAGREB, Dec 27 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign and Deputy Prime Minister Mate Granic sent Monday a letter to foreign ministers of member countries of the European Union, briefing them on situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and drawing their attention to offensive of the Muslim forces at the Croatian enclaves in central Bosnia as well as of the possible consequences of this offensive. At the beginning of the letter Minister Granic said that "our impression is that of all three sides in Bosnia-Herzegovina, only the Croats are trying to keep up with the agreements reached in Geneva", adding that "Muslim offensive against the remaining Croatian enclaves in central Bosnia is getting stronger by the hour. At the same time the Serbian side has resumed fierce artillery attack against the civilian population in Sarajevo". Minister Granic stressed that Croatian Government and himself have paid the utmost attention to events in Bosnia-Herzegovina especially with respect to the humanitarian law and relevant Geneva Conventions. Since June 1993 the Bosnian Croat side has unilaterally released at least 5,600 Muslim detainees. In the period from 19 November 1993 until 21 December 1993, 294 convoys with 18,158 tons of assorted humanitarian aid have freely passed through the Bosnian Croat controlled areas to other parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Unfortunately, all our proposals, actions and moves have been met with stubborn resistance and intransigency on the Muslim side. Instead of peace counterproposals, we have been answered with outrageous acts such as despicable treatment of the humanitarian convoy to Nova Bila or continuing Christmas military offensive in the region of central Bosnia". His letter to European Ministers Mr. Granic is concluding with following words: "The continuation of the merciless Moslem offensive in central Bosnia could very easily lead to a larger Croat-Muslim conflict with unforeseeable and grave consequences. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Muslim leadership has opted for war and not for a lasting peace... Such attitude leaves us without a true partner in the peace talks. It might eventually force us to even re-thinking and re-evaluate our policy, as well as most seriously reconsider, or withdraw, our proposals already presented to the Muslim side. Fully aware of all the adverse consequences of such a tragic but possibly inevitable move, I strongly appeal to you to spare no effort and bring all your influence to bear on the Muslim leadership in order to halt the offensive in central Bosnia immediately and without any preconditions." 272057 MET dec 93