COORDINATING BODY FOR AREAS OF SPECIAL GOVT. CONCERN CONVENES

ZAGREB, May 9 (Hina) - The coordinating body in charge of areas of special government concern held its third session in Zagreb on Wednesday. Members of the government briefed representatives of the international community about measures aimed at encouraging development and employment which have to be implemented to provide for the return of all Croatian citizens to pre-war homes. Late in March the government formulated a series of measures aimed at encouraging development and employment in areas of special government concern. Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic told reporters today the government expected to implement most of said measures by the end of 2002. He added the government expected the international community to help through action. Speaking on behalf of the international community, the United States Ambassador to Croatia, Lawrence Rossin, voiced satisfaction with the fact that the Croatian government had given priority to the return of refugees and persons displaced during the 1990s war. He said the international community was willing to help the Croatian government in executing its national task, its responsibility as a government to close one chapter in Croatian history and move on. The coordinating body in charge of areas of special government concern comprises the entire government except the prime minister. Its committee, besides the members of the government, comprises all ambassadors accredited in Croatia. (hina) ha sb