CHRISTOPHER VISITS U.S. TROOPS IN TUZLA

TUZLA, Feb 3 (Hina) - The U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher today visited the U.S. IFOR soldiers at Dubrave airport near Tuzla, Sector North-East. Christopher arrived with his associates at 9 am. He was welcomed by 18 soldiers - representatives of all nations taking part in the implementation of the peace agreement in the area, the IFOR commander in Bosnia- Herzegovina, Admiral Leighton Smith, the head of the IFOR headquarters in Bosnia-Herzegovina, General Bill Carter and the commander of IFOR Sector North-East, General William Nash. #L# After a short meeting which was held behind closed doors, Christopher said he was satisfied with the pace the peace agreement was being implemented at. Addressing the members of the U.S. Task Force Eagle, who are located in the IFOR headquarters for Sector North-East, Christopher said that the force had reconstructed parts of Tuzla airport, built two bridges on the Sava river and opened roads. The U.S. soldiers had found accommodation and were prepared to accept more soldiers, Christopher said, adding the U.S. soldiers had reunited many separated families. The peace had not arrived in Bosnia-Herzegovina yet but there was no more war either, he said. He thanked the soldiers for what they had done so far and conveyed support and greetings of the families of the U.S. soldiers. He added that he would inform the American public about everything he had seen during his visit. Christopher announced that he would visit Sarajevo and Belgrade and then return to Zagreb. He added that he would demand from the presidents of all three sides that the Dayton agreement be respected. War criminals would be tried, and evidence of genocide would be found, Christopher said, adding that the United States would help Bosnia's revival. After the meeting with U.S. soldiers, Christopher left for Sarajevo. (hina) rm 031612 MET feb 96