UNPROFOR'S TOP OFFICIAL ON SITUATION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

ZAGREB, March 9 (Hina) - UN Special Representative, Yasushi Akashi, today expressed concern that the hoped-for "progress toward a full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Bosnia- Herzegovina" had not materialised. However, "there has been progress on several humanitarian issues which has allowed medical evacuations and prisoners-of-war releases, as well as the reopening of the airport crossings in Sarajevo," Akashi said in a statement. "Unfortunately, in the last few weeks there has been an increase in activities by the parties," the statement said. "There has been an increase in provocative actions undertaken by the Bosnian Government forces, and a failure by government representatives to regularly attend Joint Commission meetings. Bosnian Serb forces have continued to harass minorities living in the Banja Luka area. Both sides are clearly undertaking military preparations in violation of the spirit of the agreement reached on 31 December 1994. There has been a marked increase in the restriction of movement of UNPROFOR, as well as in violation of the No-Fly Zone by both sides," the statement said. (hina) mm as 091536 MET mar 95