OFFICIAL RECEIVES DANUBIAN SWABIENS, TALK RESTITUTION OF PROPERTY

ZAGREB, Feb 19 (Hina) - The chairman of parliament's Constitution, Rule Book and Political System Committee, Mato Arlovic, received on Monday a delegation of Danubian Swabiens from Germany and Austria. According to a statement from parliament, the meeting tackled amendments to a Croatian law on compensation for property seized at the time of the former Yugoslav federation, and a Croatian Constitutional Court decision under which people who are not Croatian citizens would be entitled to restitution as well. The delegation unveiled a joint request whereby former Croatian citizens of German nationality seek equal status as current Croatian citizens in the restitution of property. They pointed to their former Croatian citizenship as a formal condition for the restitution. Chairman Mato Arlovic said the matter was not simple as it included a series of complex legal issues going back to international agreements on war damages the ex-Yugoslavia had with Germany and Austria, the property Germany seized from Croatian citizens during World War Two, international agreements on property acquisition by foreigners Croatia signed with Germany and Austria, and dual citizenship. Arlovic stressed Croatia was willing to settle the matter as best as possible, in line with the Constitution and international agreements. He called on the delegation to take part in the drafting of amendments to the law on compensation for property seized at the time of the former Yugoslav federation. (hina) ha