RECONSTRUCTION MINISTER CACIC MEETS U.S. OFFICIALS

ZAGREB, Feb 10 (Hina) - Croatia's Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction Minister Radimir Cacic on Thursday held talks in Zagreb with United States Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery and deputy special adviser for the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement Robert Frowick. Minister Cacic drew attention to the new government's fundamental commitment to fully respect all international obligations Croatia had undertaken, Cacic's Ministry said in a statement. In the field of reconstruction of and return to war-affected areas, the Public Works, Reconstruction and Construction Ministry will fully support the right all Croatian citizens have to reconstruction, regardless of their ethnic belonging. The Ministry will also fully support the return of all refugees and displaced persons to their pre-war homes. Minister Cacic told the two U.S. officials Croatia's new government was committed to respect all legal regulations, and would to that effect consistently solve all cases of illegal and multiple use of houses and flats. The speed of the reconstruction and return process will primarily depend on financial possibilities, Cacic said. With cuts in the state budget and a very poor economic situation, and without strong international assistance, Croatia will not be able to step up the processes which are significant for stabilisation, not only in Croatia but in the entire region. U.S. Ambassador Montgomery said he was satisfied with the positive changes which had occurred in Croatian politics, and promised for the near future the passing of a new programme of assistance to Croatia's reconstruction and return processes. The programme will be based on new conditions, he said. (hina) ha mm