ZAGREB, Jan 18 (Hina) - A bill on amendments to the Law on Areas of Special State Concern was supported by the majority of parliamentary benches, while MPs of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
opposed the bill saying the amendments would put Croat refugees from Bosnia in an unenviable position. The two parties particularly objected to the proposal on providing new temporary accommodation to refugees who are temporarily occupying other people's property and who are not provided with permanent accommodation by the end of this year. HDZ MPs suggest that Bosnian Croats be provided with quality alternative accommodation, expressing concern that they would be completely discriminated against and end up in refugee camps. The party strongly opposes the bill, saying it was drawn up because the international community had ordered it. The HSP demands cancelling the regula
ZAGREB, Jan 18 (Hina) - A bill on amendments to the Law on Areas of
Special State Concern was supported by the majority of
parliamentary benches, while MPs of the Croatian Party of Rights
(HSP) and the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) opposed the bill
saying the amendments would put Croat refugees from Bosnia in an
unenviable position.
The two parties particularly objected to the proposal on providing
new temporary accommodation to refugees who are temporarily
occupying other people's property and who are not provided with
permanent accommodation by the end of this year.
HDZ MPs suggest that Bosnian Croats be provided with quality
alternative accommodation, expressing concern that they would be
completely discriminated against and end up in refugee camps. The
party strongly opposes the bill, saying it was drawn up because the
international community had ordered it.
The HSP demands cancelling the regulation under which refugees and
displaced persons temporarily occupying other people's property
would have to pay utility bills and rent to the real owners.
If the bill is not amended, it will not solve problems on the ground
because it regulates the status of Serb returnees much better,
while it fails to provide a final and acceptable solution to the
status of Bosnian Croat refugees, Vesna Skare-Ozbolt said on behalf
of the Democratic Centre (DC).
The Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS) will support the
amendments, but it will also suggest that the bill be elaborated.
Speaking on behalf of national minorities, Milan Djukic demanded of
the government to find a permanent solution for temporary users of
other people's property so that the real owners could return to
their homes. He also demanded drawing up an adequate model of
indemnity, including compensation for destroyed property. Djukic
believes the bill provides an opportunity to introduce order in
areas of special state concern.
(hina) it sb