STATEMENT BY UN SPECIAL ENVOY AKASHI

ZAGREB, May 5 (Hina) - UN Secretary-General's special representative, Yasushi Akashi, issued a statement on Thursday evening. The statement is following: "Despite the agreement reached on May 3 1995 for a complete cessation of hostilities, I am gravely concerned that there was still fighting today in a few areas including near Pakrac, and continued tensions and threatening actions in the cease-fire areas in all Sectors. Some of these violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement appear to be isolated incidents caused by a lack of communication between commanders and soldiers in the field. I am concerned that these isolated incidents could lead to a spiral of escalation which would threaten the remaining prospect for peace in this area," Akashi said in the statement. "I appeal to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from all provocative actions and any retaliation, while all military personnel are informed of the provisions of the agreement and all necessary arrangements are made for its prompt implementation. I call on the Croatian Government to co-operate fully with United Nations forces and UNHCR in expeditiously implementing the Cessation Hostilities Agreement concerning Sector West (Western Slavonia) to ensure the welfare of the population and the end of the hostilities," Akashi concluded in the statement. (hina) mm mms 051058 MET may 95