VICE-PREMIER ANTUNOVIC MEETS OSCE COMMISSIONER FOR MINORITIES

ZAGREB, March 1 (Hina) - Croatian Vice-Premier Zeljka Antunovic and the High Commissioner for Minorities of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Rolf Ekeus, on Friday held talks on the position of national minorities in Croatia and the government's plans regarding the improvement of their status. Antunovic told reporters the talks tackled ways to resolve many open issues with regard to the Serb minority, which, in most cases, were the result of the war. She confirmed the talks also tackled a constitutional law on minorities, which she said had to be acceptable to all in Croatia, to the national minorities and the Croats alike. Antunovic said she also asked for understanding with regard to the time Croatia needed to resolve all problems in that area. Ekeus promised OSCE's help in the resolution of issues which were within his jurisdiction. Asked whether they discussed if the OSCE would continue financing refugee returns, Antunovic said this was becoming an economic issue more and more. "This government has no political prejudices with regard to the return. It is both a political and economic issue, but it has been becoming more an economic one," Antunovic said, adding the OSCE had provided assistance so far and would continue doing so. Asked for his comment on the government's relationship towards national minorities, Ekeus said he had noticed that the government was aware of the importance of the issue and determined to resolve existing problems. We can continue encouraging the government and offer it our experience and knowledge through our mission to Croatia, he said. (hina) sb rml