DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES SERB ORTHODOX REPRESENTATIVES

ZAGREB, Sept 6 (Hina) - Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic on Friday received a delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) headed by Metropolitan Jovan, the government's Public Relations Office reported. #L# Granic informed his guests about the work on an agreement on relations between the state and the Serb Orthodox Church in Croatia which would resolve all long term issues of vital significance to relations between the two sides, the status and interests of the Serb Orthodox Church so that it could realise its legal rights. The agreement would also determine budget funding earmarked for the Serb Orthodox Church as well as the question of social and pension insurance for Orthodox priests, the statement notes. Representatives of the SPC warned about several problems, including the current state of reconstruction of damaged property, which are an important part of Croatia's cultural heritage. They asked the government for financial assistance in the reconstruction of some of the property. Granic emphasised that it was the duty of both sides to develop normal and proper conditions for Croatian citizens (Serb nationals) living in Croatia, adding that this was not an easy task keeping in mind the traumas of the entire past century which were well remembered. With regards to the return of nationalised property, Granic advised the representatives of the SPC to conduct an analysis of the property that was owned by the Church, to determine priorities, or rather which buildings were vital for religious activities to be conducted and then to send the list to the Croatian government for consideration. Property that will not be able to be returned naturally, as stated, will be resolved with appropriate alternatives which will be found through compensation with available funds within the Compensation Fund. (hina) sp lml sb