GHALI'S STATEMENT AFTER RECEIVING TUDJMAN'S LETTER

ZAGREB, Jan 12 (Hina) - The following is a statement from UN Security General, Boutros-Boutros Ghali after he received Croatian President Franjo Tudjman's letter on ending the UNPROFOR mandate. I have been informed today by President Tudjman that the Republic of Croatia will not accept a further renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Protection Force in his country beyond 31 March 1995 when the current mandate expires. I very much regret this decision by the Croatian Government. The United Nations played a decisive role in bringing a halt to the brutal war on Croatian soil three years ago, and the United Nations Protection Force has helped prevent a resumption of the fighting since. While I am painfully aware of the frustration of the Croatian people that a final political settlement has eluded us, I should like to recall that the unremitting efforts of the international community have resulted in visible progress, particularly in the opening of the Zagreb-Belgrade highway. I am gravely concerned about the risk of renewed hostilities should United Nations peacekeepers be withdrawn from Croatia for this reason, the international community will continue its dialogue with the Government of Republic of Croatia on the issues raised in President Tudjman's letter. I will, of course, submit his request to the Security Council for its consideration. In the meantime, I urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint as we collectively work to restore lasting peace to the Balkan region. (hina) jn rv sd 122118 MET jan 95