U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL ISSUES PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENTS ON CROATIA

WASHINGTON, July 3 (Hina) - The UN Security Council on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the process of implementing an agreement on the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Srijem into Croatia. In a presidential statatement, the Council supported a proposal by the UN Secretary General to extend the mandate of UN military observers until January 15 next year. The statement expressed particular satisfaction with the successful completion of the demilitarization process in Serb- occupied eastern Croatia. It called on the parties to closely cooperate with the UN Transitional Administration (UNTAES) in maintaining peace and security in the area and in enabling the return of all refugees and displaced persons. In a separate presidential statement, the Council expressed concern about the Croatian government's failure to protect the rights of the local Serb population and urged it to do so. It also expressed deep concern that no satisfactory conditions had been created for the return of Serb refugees. The Council called on the Croatian government to further cooperate with the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague and to use its influence with Bosnian Croat leaders to ensure their cooperation with the tribunal. (hina) vm 032058 MET jul 96