BRITISH COMMANDER SAYS WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS UNLIKELY

STARA BILA, Dec 14 (Hina) - "There are no plans for us to withdraw from Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly after our successful cooperation with HVO (Croatian Defence Council) forces and the Bosnian Army in implementing the peace agreement and Washington accords," British UNPROFOR commander in central Bosnia, John Edwards said. "But there are still some risks in implementing the Federation which would only worsen with our withdrawal," he said. He was doubtful that the Bosnian Army and the HVO would obstruct an UNPROFOR withdrawal. "Not one of my soldiers, or other UN officials, or similar international organisations is blocked or held in efforts to carry out the mandate," Edwards said. "In fact we have no problems, probably because we're not in direct contact with the Serb side." An UNPROFOR withdrawal was certain to be opposed by civilians because it would mean the end of humanitarian efforts, Edwards said. (Hina) jn sd as 141917 MET dec 94