OSCE MISSION CHIEF MEETS ZADAR COUNTY HEAD

ZADAR, Sept 24 (Hina) - The OSCE mission chief in Croatia, Peter Semneby, met the head of Zadar county, Sime Prtenjaca, behind closed doors on Wednesday for talks on the return of refugees, living conditions and development of the Zadar area. #L# Semneby told reporters after the meeting that they discussed how the OSCE contributed to Croatia's efforts to join the European Union. The European Commission is preparing an assessment of Croatia's EU membership bid which will be presented in the middle of next year. It mainly concerns the political criteria which Croatia has met so far and which it is yet to meet, Semneby said. He said that everyone should work together on the return of refugees and reforms of the justice system, and that Europe would also provide assistance. I believe we can help all citizens, he added. Asked if they discussed Croatia's relations with the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Semneby said that this issue was not under discussion, but added that his organisation was monitoring war crimes trials. It is important for Croatia to act in compliance with its international commitments, the OSCE mission chief said. Prtenjaca said that they talked about the restoration of property, mine clearance and the operation of institutions in Zadar county. (hina) vm