UNHCR LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR RETURN OF REFUGEES TO CROATIA

BELGRADE, June 22 (Hina) - An UNHCR spokesperson in Belgrade told reporters on Thursday the UNHCR has launched a major information campaign for the return of refugees to Croatia. Spokeswoman Maki Shinohara said the campaign was organised in cooperation with the Croatian Office for Displaced Persons and Refugees, and the initiative was the result of changes which happened in Croatia and the accelerated issuing of return permits. According to Shinohara, the Croatian government has agreed that all return requests will be replied to within 30 days and that return will be allowed within the same period, as well as that all returnee families will be granted financial assistance for six months after their return. The returnees' property will be reconstructed, their houses will be restituted and tenancy rights holders will be given temporary accommodation. The UNHCR has started sending telegrams to 10,000 addresses in order to inform refugees of the new possibility of return to Croatia, Shinohara said, adding the interest in return was increasing and about 100 persons were returning to Croatia every week. Since June 1, the UNHCR office has received 24,000 return requests. (hina) rml