OSIJEK-VUKOVAR OPENS

OSIJEK, July 26 (Hina) - The Osijek-Klisa-Vukovar road was opened on Friday in the presence of UN transitional administrator Jacques Klein, the head of the Croatian government office for the occupied areas, Ivica Vrkic, and local Serb leader Goran Hadzic. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Vrkic said that all citizens in the UN-administrated areas possessing Croatian identity cards could move freely throughout Croatia. "Those who are willing to take Croatian registration plates and who have ID cards can use this road," he added. Vrkic described the event as very important, saying that it marked "the beginning of free movement of all citizens" and that it was "yet another sign of Croatia's good will." Vrkic said that he would demand that UNTAES ensure freedom of movement for Croatian citizens visiting the UN-administrated area. Hadzic cut the ribbon on the other side of the road. Klein expressed satisfaction with the opening of the road, describing it as another step forward. He congratulated both sides on cooperation and praised mine-disposal teams and engineers who cleared the rubble. (hina) vm 261609 MET jul 96