HABITAT MPS END CONFERENCE IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Feb 3 (Hina) - The European Council of the HABITAT world association of MPs on Wednesday concluded a three-day regional conference in Zagreb with the adoption of the so called Zagreb Declaration. The conference focused on the creation of conditions for sufficient and adequate housing, how to secure a sustainable urban development, the strengthening of local government and self- government, and how to seek United Nations support in adopting the World Charter of Local Self-Government. According to the president of HABITAT's European Council, Peter Goetz, the HABITAT advocates the creation of lasting peace in the world. Goetz said housing conditions worthy of man were a precondition for resolving world conflicts and the establishment of peace. In the Zagreb declaration, the HABITAT says the said goals can be achieved on condition the local government and self-government principle is recognised as the cornerstone of democracy. The HABITAT further believes global problems should be dealt with at local level, through intensified dialogue and cooperation between state and local authorities. The HABITAT advocates decentralisation and the strengthening of financial capacities of local authorities. The MPs also said in the declaration that the people must be more involved in decision-making and monitoring human settlements strategies, policies, and programmes. (hina) ha