AKASHI ON HIS MISSION IN FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

ZAGREB, Jan 3 (Hina) - The special envoy of the UN Secretary General and the UNPROFOR Chief-Coordinator, Yakushi Akashi, who arrived in Zagreb today, said that he is absolutely aware of his great responsibility as well as of expectations of common people and political leaders in former Yugoslavia. UNPROFOR is not present here in order to make a war for any side in conflict, Akashi said adding that presence of UN forces can not be taken for granted. Akashi thinks that withdrawal of UN forces should be considered if there is no sincere wish for peace agreement of all sides. The new UNPROFOR coordinator said that Japan could play much more important role in solving of crisis in former Yugoslavia, working together with European countries, United States and Canada. According to his words, some changes in internal structure of the UNPROFOR can be expected. Akashi is going to request much more responsibility in work and he intends to form a new office for analysis and evaluations. There will be some changes in the Office for Public Relations as well because Akashi thinks that UNPROFOR must speak with one voice. Akashi announced that he will visit all UNPROFOR operations areas in next two weeks, including Sarajevo, Skoplje and Belgrade in order to have discussion with local political leaders. 031744 MET jan 94