DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ANTUNOVIC, COMMISSION ARTICLE 11 VISIT BENKOVAC

BENKOVAC, April 11 (Hina) - A Croatian government delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic, and the Commission Article 11 on Tuesday held talks with municipal and Zadar County officials and representatives of Bosnian Croat refugees in Benkovac, in the Zadar hinterland, about return, reconstruction, and the economic recovery of the Benkovac area. Attending the talks were, among others, the head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Bernard Poncet, the head of the UNHCR Mission, Robert Robinson, and ambassadors of six countries, including US Ambassador William Montgomery. #L# After the talks, which were held behind closed doors, Antunovic told reporters "the Croatian government wants to change the form of cooperation with the international community as regards the resolution of problems in these areas" and that "the Government wants to be the bearer of activity in the recovery of the area and is looking for a partner in the international community." "Up until now, war victims were manipulated and promised the impossible, and much time and money was wasted that way. The Government is trying to change this approach and solve problems quickly. We yet expect progress in that area, but I have given strong assurances to the international representatives that we will see that laws are observed and that all forms of discrimination are eliminated," Antunovic said. US Ambassador Montgomery voiced support for such efforts of the Croatian government. The Commission Article 11 is a real partner to the new Croatian government, Montgomery said, adding the problem of return would be resolved through cooperation. Asked about the problem of Bosnian Croat refugees living in the houses of Serb refugees, who are to return, Antunovic said nobody would be thrown out into the street, however, every Serb returnee has the right to reclaim his property. "This does not mean that those living in their (Serb) houses will be thrown out into the street. Intensive efforts are being made to find a solution for the Croats settled in the area. Part of them, who wish so, will be able to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina, whereas part will be provided with alternative accommodation, but we must immediately and definitely solve the problem of double or multiple illegal use of other persons' property," Antunovic said. The head of the OSCE Mission, Bernard Poncet, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and the direct messages Antunovic conveyed to the local authorities. He assessed that conditions for making progress in return and reconstruction have been created. (hina) rml