STATESMENT FROM UNPROFOR SECTOR EAST

OSIJEK, Jan 13 (Hina) - UNPROFOR regretted Croatia's decision to end its mandate, according to a statement released by a spokeswoman for UNPROFOR Sector East, Kristen Haupt. UNPROFOR would discontinue its presence if it was unwelcome. The UN Security Council would consider Croatia's request for UNPROFOR to be removed. The international community would continue dialogue on this issue with the Croatian Government, the statement said. Everyone should be concerned with the risk of the re-eruption of the conflict between the warring parties after UNPROFOR is withdrawn. This concern has been already expressed. In this respect UNPROFOR called on the warring sides to show restraint and do away with provocation, the statement said. Haupt emphasized the positive effects of the UNPROFOR mandate in Croatia - the holding of the 29 March 1994 Cease-Fire, and progress in the implementation of the December 2 Economic Agreement. (hina) jn mms sd 131733 MET jan 95