FOREIGN MINISTER AIDE HANDS PROTEST NOTE TO SFOR CHIEF

( Editorial: --> 8352 ) ZAGREB, July 17 (Hina) - An aide to Croatian Foreign Minister Vladimir Drobnjak received the chief Stabilisation Force (SFOR) commander Major General Fritz Polle on Friday. Drobnjak handed Polle a protest note concerning an incident which occurred on July 7, when a group of SFOR helicopters flew over the area of Makarska (central Adriatic) without authorisation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Drobnjak stressed the dissatisfaction of local residents and the effect the incident might have on tourists in the middle of the season. Polle apologised for the incident explaining that it happened because young pilots violated their powers. The case is being investigated, he added. The SFOR chief stressed that the case stood apart from the otherwise successful cooperation and expressed hope that it would not have a negative effect on it. Drobnjak expressed satisfaction with the apology and both officials agreed that the successful cooperation should be continued. (hina) jn rml 172101 MET jul 98