MESIC: CROATIA WILL SHOW MATURITY OF DEMOCRACY IF ALL REFUGEES RETURN

ZAGREB, Oct 22 (Hina) - "Croatia will prove its maturity and orientation towards democracy" if all refugees and displaced persons, regardless of their national and religious background, return to Croatia, head of state Stjepan Mesic said at the inauguration of the European Union's Cards 2001 Programme in Zagreb on Tuesday. #L# Of the total of EUR60 million, the European Commission is assisting the process of the return of refugees and displaced persons with EUR23.2 million, earmarked for the reconstruction, development and stabilisation within the framework of the Cards 2001 programme. "The return of refugees and displaced persons is one of unavoidable tasks which Croatia has accepted (...), because, only by creating conditions for the return of all those who were forced to flee their homes, and I emphasise: all, regardless of their ethnic and religious background,, can we prove the maturity of our democracy," Mesic said. Mesic said he saw "certain symbolism" in today's event, because the presentation of the European Union programme was taking place only 24 hours after the same bloc warned Croatia for the third time about its obligation to cooperate with the Hague-based war crimes tribunal. Failing to fulfil this obligation, Mesic says, could have "serious consequences for the process of our joining European associations". The president said that the period of warnings was behind and Croatia needed to prove that it was keeping its word and that it was a reliable partner. The Cards programme, which has been effective since 2000, was introduced in six new municipalities at the inauguration today. The event was attended by the head of the European Commission in Croatia, Jacques Wunenburger. (hina) it sb