DRAGALIC INCLUDED IN RETURN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

ZAGREB/DRAGALIC, March 1 (Hina) - Dragalic municipal head, Zdenko Gorup and head of the International Migration Organisation (IOM) Mission to Croatia, Jacques Schutjes, on Monday signed a cooperation agreement as part of the Return Assistance Programme (RAP). RAP is being carried out by the IOM. The funds are ensured by the UN Agency for International Development. The aim of RAP is to provide assistance to municipalities in reconstruction and the creation of conditions for the return for displaced persons to their homes. The IOM began implementing the programme in February 1998. About US$10 million is expected to be invested into the project. So far nine eastern Slavonian municipalities have signed the cooperation agreement for RAP - Darda, Knezevi Vinogradi, Lovas, Erdut, Lipik, Petrinja, Obrovac, Biskupija and Dragalic. In the past year this project has enabled 8,200 people to return to their homes. RAP has set a goal of 30,000 people returning to their homes in at least 16 Croatian municipalities. The agreement with IOM is signed after executive authorities draw up a strategy for return and set goals for the return. RAP will co-finance the construction of the local sewage in Dragalic. The IOM is an inter-government organisation seated in Geneva. Croatia has been its member since 1993. Its mission has been active in Croatia since 1992. (hina) lml