PICULA DISCUSSES RETURN WITH BOSNIA'S INVALID REFUGEES

ZAGREB, April 19 (Hina) - An association of invalid refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday supported efforts made by Croatia's Foreign Minister Tonino Picula regarding the return of refugees, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Picula today received a delegation of the Association of Invalid Refugees from Bosnia-Herzegovina "Hendikep", headed by the Association's president Stanislav Poljakovski. The association, founded in Zagreb in 1993, gathers and provides help for all categories of invalids who fled Bosnia-Herzegovina, regardless of their nationality or religion. Most members are refugees from the Bosnian Serb entity of Republika Srpska. The association informed Picula about a poll conducted among its membership after the signing of an agreement on the return of 2,000 refugees by Picula and Republika Srpska Premier Milorad Dodik. According to the poll, 50 families wish to return to the Bosnian Serb entity and want to be included in the first group of returnees. They also request the government to help in providing accommodation for those invalids who wish to stay in Croatia. The association welcomed Picula's efforts regarding support for the return process, especially his talks with Bosnian authorities in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Picula said his ministry was ready to cooperate fully and support the association's efforts. It was agreed that the lists with the names of potential returnees be handed over to the Office for Displaced Persons and Refugees, and the Ministry will help as much as it can in negotiations with Republika Srpska authorities and international representatives. (hina) jn rml