CROATIAN DEPUTY PM SAYS 2003 SHOULD FOCUS ON MISSING, RETURNS

ZAGREB, Jan 6 (Hina) - Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic wished on Monday that 2003 be dedicated to people gone missing during last decade's war and to the return to pre-war homes of all wishing to live in Croatia. #L# Addressing a reception the Serb People's Council organised in Zagreb on the occasion of Christmas, which Serb Orthodox believers celebrate on January 7, Granic wished that everything be done to find the truth about the missing and that families be enabled to bury their dearest, regardless of ethic origins and creed. He also hoped that 2003 be the year of the return of all who wish to live in Croatia and see it as their homeland, and that conditions be created to provide them with quality living. Granic said 2002 saw the establishment of the "legislative framework" aimed at improving life for the Serb community through the passing of a constitutional law on national minorities and a law on the legal standing of religious communities, and the signing of an agreement with the Serb Orthodox Church. For the Serb community these are conditions which are necessary also for civil and minority equality, said SNV president Milorad Pupovac. He added the Serb community would find civil and political wisdom within itself to turn the law into practice in times which he said were still delicate. The first thing the Serb community and Croatia's entire population have to do in the new year is to combat despondency, said Pupovac, adding it was important to believe in oneself and in others. Zagreb Serb Orthodox parish priest Marinko Juretic wished peace in the world, among peoples, in families, and in every man. Attending today's reception were representatives of political parties, the government, the office of the Croatian President, the diplomatic corps, and international organisations. (hina) ha