MINISTERS HAND OVER APARTMENTS TO WAR VICTIMS

DAKOVO, Feb 4 (Hina) - Minister of Development, Immigration and Reconstruction Radimir Cacic and Minister for Croatian Homeland War Veterans Ivica Pancic on Friday handed over the keys to 28 new apartments in Dakovo, for families of victims of the Homeland War. The Reconstruction Ministry invested some 2 million DM into the building which was contracted by "Nasicki interijer". 'My first official visit to Dakovo and Slavonia is significant in that it shows that the new Government is conscious of it obligations towards those victims who made such a huge contribution towards the defence of Croatia. In my capacity as a minister, I will personally support any effort undertaken to resolve the problem of reconstruction and care for victims of the Homeland War. The tempo to date of aid to victims, should be improved and organised better", said Minister Cacic. "These apartments will not return your loved ones, nor invalids' their health, however, they will be the foundation for a better life. The new Government will continue to care for victims even better and faster", said Veterans' Affair Minister Pancic. He added that he would insist on full respect of the law and that any anomalies should be resolved. He called on volunteer soldiers and defenders to try and understand the ministry and that it would reinstate their dignity. Pancic said that all families of defenders killed in the war and 100 per cent incapacitated invalids should all be given homes during this year. According to data at the Reconstruction Ministry, during 1999, about one thousand apartments were handed over to Homeland War victims while a further 2700 are under construction. (hina) sp