'PREVENTIVE FLIGHTS' OF NATO AIRCRAFT OVER SARAJEVO

SARAJEVO, Nov 7 (Hina) - The situation in the Sarajevo area is calmer after Saturday's clashes between the Bosnian government army and the Bosnian Serb forces in north-west suburbs, UN Sarajevo officials said today. UN spokesman Koos Sol described frequent flights of NATO aircraft over Sarajevo as 'preventive'. According to him, UN Commander for Sector Sarajevo, General Gobilliard, requested for the presence of NATO aircraft because he wanted to be sure that every attempt which could jeopardize Sarajevo airport would be prevented. Sol reiterated that the Bosnian government army started Saturday's fighting but their effect became dangerous only when Serbs raided two heavy weapon storages controlled by 'blue helmets'. Serbs opened mortar fire at Butmir from the direction of the storage at Ilidza, and they fired 11 artillery shells at Hrasnica from the storage in the Osijek village. Fifteen casualties and extensive material damage were reported. It was totally calm in the Mt Igman area in the last 24 hours. Bosnian government troops are three to four kilometers far from Trnovo, but there is still no sign that they intend to capture the town, the same source said. (hina) jas ks 071430 MET nov 94