OGATA ENCOURAGED WITH CRO GOVT'S RESOLVE TO SETTLE PROBLEMS

ZAGREB, March 17 (Hina) - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, on Friday said she was very encouraged with the resoluteness of the new Croatian Government to solve most important problems, particularly issues concerning dislocated persons.#L# Speaking at a news conference she held in Zagreb during the second day of her visit to Croatia, Ogata said she had come with great expectations and she was now eager to see how the new authorities would carry out their announced policy. I must say I am very encouraged with the determination of the new Government to settle the most important problems, particularly those about displaced persons, the UN official told reporters. So far, biggest steps forward have been made, in comparison to the former government, in legislation, as some acts have been rescinded which blocked the return, she added. Ogata said the UNHCR was aware of the complexity of those problems, especially in view of the current economic situation and the permanent political sensitivity. However, it is up to the government eventually to find solutions for all its citizens, she said. The UNHCR will try help in the return process and offer solutions which will assist the returnees not only to come back but also to be re-integrated, Ogata explained. As regards means, the UNHCR will notify donors of needs, she added. Asked whether the UNHCR will try help financially the Croatian Government in the implementation of a project of the refugee return, which was presented last month in Budapest, the head of the UNHCR mission in Croatia, Robert Robinson answered that the UN High Commissioner Ogata had supported that project. He expressed hope that the project would be presented at a donors conference due to be held in the end of March in Brussels and that donors would respond to the document. (hina) jn ms