PERRY COMPLETES VISIT TO IFOR UNITS IN TUZLA

TUZLA, 4 July (Hina) - The U.S. Defence Minister William Perry on Thursday visited the U.S. IFOR soldiers in Sector North on the occasion of Independence Day. Upon his arrival at Tuzla airport, Perry was welcomed by the commander of Sector North, Major General William Nash. Accompanied by Admiral Leighton Smith, Nash and Perry visited IFOR soldiers located in several bases in the sector. The visit provided an opportunity to see whether progress had been made in implementation of the Dayton agreement, the establishment of separation zones, the disengagement of the warring parties, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the demobilization of soldiers, Perry said, addressing the soldiers at the McGovern military base. Problems could be expected in the pre-election period in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Perry said, adding this was the reason why some changes would be made in the deployment of U.S. troops in Bosnia. Another problem in the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement was Brcko and arbitration regarding that issue would not be completed by December, when the present NATO mission expired, Perry said. Perry also announced the possibility of sending a new NATO mission to Bosnia. The possibility would be discussed at a meeting of NATO ministers which is to take place in autumn. Whether a new NATO mission would be sent to Bosnia depended on the autumn meeting and the outcome of September elections. (hina) rm 041853 MET jul 96