AUSTRALIAN MPS VISIT VUKOVAR

VUKOVAR, April 12 (Hina) - Australian parliamentary deputies, who are on an official visit to Croatia, on Thursday visited the eastern town of Vukovar, where they held talks with town and county officials. Vukovar County Prefect Petar Cobankovic informed his guests about the grave economic situation in the town, which, he said, could obstruct the return of refugees. The head of the Australian delegation and House of Representatives Speaker, Neil Andrew, said Australian MPs had to visit Vukovar to understand what the Croatian people had gone through in the war. The visit to Vukovar was useful inasmuch as it reminded Australian MPs of their commitments, primarily the protection of the rule of law. Vukovar is an example of what happens when democracy disappears, he said, adding the visit to Croatia was generally successful. We have seen that the Croatian parliament is ready to adopt difficult decisions in a pre-election time, when such decisions are not advisable, however, they are necessary for the country's progress, he said. The Australian delegation, which was accompanied by Sabor Vice- President Ivica Kostovic, made a tour of the town and some of its cultural monuments. (hina) rml