CROATIA WILL TRY TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SOCIAL RIGHTS - SAYS MINISTER

ZAGREB, Mar 9 (Hina) - Croatian Labour and Social Welfare Minister Davorko Vidovic on Thursday held talks in Zagreb with the head of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Mission to Croatia, Bernard Poncet. The two officials discussed Croatia's desire to join European integration as soon as possible, and Croatia's social issues. Poncet assessed the constructive role of Croatia's new government was very important, and said he wanted Croatia to be assisted in joining Euro-Atlantic integration as soon as possible, said a statement from the Labour and Social Welfare Ministry. Minister Vidovic said the political changes which had recently taken place in Croatia would have a far-reaching and positive impact on relations with European Union countries. He also said the Croatian government expected the international community would show more understanding for Croatia's present situation. Vidovic said the government would do everything to prevent a deterioration of the current level of social rights in Croatia. Speaking about better care for Croatian Serb returnees, he said it would be difficult to effect it without concrete financial assistance from abroad. Poncet urged Vidovic to expedite the settling of issues in connection with the exercising of the right to pension and the recording of years of service in employment cards for Croatian citizens of Serb nationality. All forms of discrimination towards them are unacceptable, he said. Minister Vidovic said Croatia would do everything, with assistance from the international community and non-governmental organisations, to improve economy and thus the social status of all Croatian citizens. (hina) ha jn