ARTS, SCIENCES ACADEMY APPEALS FOR INT. HELP IN DEMINING IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Dec 18 (Hina) - The Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (HAZU) on Tuesday appealed to the academies and institutions it cooperates with around the world for help in demining in Croatia through their governments, financial and humanitarian institutions, technology and expertise. Landmines are a serious humanitarian issue in Croatia, as well as an obstacle to development and the return of refugees and displaced persons, the HAZU concluded at today's session. Insufficient funds for mine-clearing represent the biggest problem, with more than 9.5 billion kuna (approx. US$1.2 billion) necessary by 2010. Around 4,000 square km of Croatian soil is suspected of being infested with around one million mines, said Damir Gorseta, head of the Croatian Mine Action Centre. The Centre is certain about only a quarter, and believes only 500 square km are actually mine- infested. Landmines claimed 419 lives since 1991, including 44 demining experts, while 1,056 people sustained serious and 302 light injuries. Asked about Yugoslav assistance with regard to documentation on landmines planted in Croatia, Gorseta said around 200 records had been submitted and more were expected. He commended cooperation with non-governmental organisations and returnee associations, saying Serb refugees returning to Croatia were helping in the demining, the same who had planted the mines during the 1990s war. (hina) ha