BARANJA TO HAVE NEW GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM BY CHRISTMAS 2000

OSIJEK, July 16 (Hina) - The managing director of Croatian oil giant INA, Davor Stern, and Osijek-Baranja County, eastern Croatia, prefect Branimir Glavas on Friday agreed to shorten the deadline for completing the building of a new gas supply system in Baranja from the second half of 2001 to Christmas 2000. A joint task commission was established to that effect at a meeting held in Osijek. The commission will draw up a new construction plan, and will be assisted in solving property and other administrative issues by county services. In view of the new deadlines, INA's Stern announced possible saving thanks to lower costs. "INA has sufficient supplies of gas, but an investment like this one is hampered by some US$54.1 million of debt owed by gas users, distribution difficulties, and the government's stand not to allow higher prices for fuel," he said. Prefect Glavas said a gas supply system was important for Baranja, which suffered the most during the Serbian aggression on Croatia earlier this decade, because of its economy. The building of some 350km of the new gas supply system can begin once mine-clearing in the area has been completed. (hina) ha