PRESIDENT MESIC RECEIVES OSCE MISSION'S CHIEF

ZAGREB, March 10 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic on Monday received the chief of the OSCE mission in Croatia, Peter Semneby, who briefed him on a project of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) concerning the stimulation of the return of refugees and displaced persons. #L# According to a statement released by Mesic's office, Semneby talked about the project aimed at making the public more aware of the necessity of the return of all refugees and displaced persons, and about a public campaign focused on returnees and ethnic groups that constitute a majority of the population in areas where returnees come back. The Croatian head of state advocated the convening of a trilateral meeting of officials of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro at which they could reach agreement on this issue. The OSCE representative supported the president's idea and added that the OSCE was willing to help organise such an event. Commenting on Croatia's application for EU membership, Semneby said the mandate of the OSCE mission in the country enabled this organisation to help Croatia to perform tasks set by the European Union. The interlocutors agreed that all institutions and state authorities should co-ordinate their efforts so as to expedite the process of the return of refugees and displaced persons. (hina) ms