CROATIA ASKS HUNGARY FOR INFORMATION ON HAZARDOUS MATERIAL DEPOT

( Editorial: --> 4101 ) ZAGREB, Jan 13 (Hina) - Following articles in the Hungarian and Croatian press in 1997 which warned about Hungary's uncontrolled dumping of hazardous waste near the border with Croatia, Croatia asked Hungary for official information about the allegations. Various articles warned about the dangers of the uncontrolled hazardous waste depot in Gare (about 15 km from the border with Croatia). The depot allegedly contains 17,000 tons of tetrachlorbenzol which has already seeped into underground waters. Tetrachlorbenzol is used in insulation against fire and damp, because it is not flammable and does not dissolve in water. It is dangerous only when introduced into the organism. When it becomes waste, the chemical can be decomposed thermally, at a temperature above 1100 degrees Celsius in special furnaces. The Croatian State Administration for the Protection of the Environment expressed hope on Tuesday that Hungary's bodies in authority would provide all the necessary information concerning the issue, in accordance with good relations between the two countries. (hina) lm jn 131339 MET jan 98