RADIC AND KOSCHNIK DISCUSS REFUGEE RETURN

ZAGREB, Feb 12 (Hina) - Croatia has so far successfully organised the return of 700,000 people, Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic said on Friday during his talks with the special envoy of the German Government for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hans Koschnik. The return of refugees and displaced people, who fled their homes during the Serbian aggression or were expelled, is proceeding successfully in villages. The return to towns is more problematic. The complete revival of economy and creation of new jobs are needed for a more massive return to towns, Radic said. A large majority (98 per cent) of refugees have returned to their homes with the help of state budget funding, he added. The two officials also tackled the return of Croat refugees to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Radic reiterated the state stand on supporting all Croats who wished to return to their homes in BH. "Croatia will also help all those who do not want to return to BH, help them stay in Croatia, so that they would not be forced to leave for other countries", he said. Koschnik was also interested in the models and activities to accommodate Croat refugees from Kosovo and supported the Government's programme on constructing houses for Kosovo Croat families with state money, on state-owned land. Koschnik requested that the Government draw up a programme of accommodation of Kosovo Croats in Kistanje and Vocin, so that he could intercede with the aim of securing international financial support. (hina) jn rml