UN BASE IN GORNJI VAKUF STILL SURROUNDED BY ARMED MEN

SARAJEVO, Feb 25 (Hina) - UNPROFOR headquarters in Gornji Vakuf, south-western Bosnia, was still blocked by armed troops who allowed no one to enter or leave the base. UNPROFOR spokesman in Sarajevo, Gary Coward, said the base was surrounded by "men in civvies carrying small-arms and hand grenade- launchers." There was a similar situation around the 'blue helmet' base in Bugojno, central Bosnia. The blockades were set up yesterday as a "popular protest," as Bosnian Government sources put it, against Serb liaison officers staying at the Gornji Vakuf base. But UNPROFOR headquarters in Sarajevo said Bosnian Army military police were also blocking several roads leading to Gornji Vakuf. One of the Serb officers concerned is Slavko Guzvic, whom UNPROFOR had to evacuate from Tuzla, where a similar situation had occurred. Coward said the arrival of Serb officials in Gornji Vakuf was based on an agreement between the three sides on January 15. He said the liaison officers' presence was necessary to ensure better communication. Coward said that UNPROFOR officials would today talk to Bosnian Government minister Hasan Muraatovic on how to solve the problem. (hina) jn sd as 251626 MET feb 95