OSCE MISSION CHIEF SUPPORTS MESIC'S PROPOSAL FOR MEETING ON REFUGEES

ZAGREB, March 10 (Hina) - The head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Peter Semneby, during talks on Monday with Croatian President Stjepan Mesic promised to support a proposal by President Mesic regarding a meeting on refugee returns which would be attended by high ranking officials from Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia-Montenegro, the OSCE Mission to Zagreb said in a statement. #L# The proposal has come at the right time if one bears in mind Croatia's application for membership of the EU, Ambassador Semneby said following his meeting with President Mesic. The OSCE strongly supports the proposal and hopes that it will motivate the Croatian government in resolving this long-term problem regarding refugee returns. Semneby added he was satisfied with Mesic's attitude towards this problem. In the press release it is noted that Semneby requested that key issues be tackled at the highest political level so that a positive atmosphere could be created for refugee returns. The fundamental points for that atmosphere to exist is the restitution of property, the reconstruction of damaged houses and decisions relating tenancy rights, the OSCE's statement said. (Hina) sp it sb