END OF UNTAES MANDATE OFFICIALLY MARKED IN VUKOVAR (2)

( Editorial: --> 4716 ) VUKOVAR, Jan 15 (Hina) - Continuing the ceremony in Vukovar, Croatian Parliament member and president of the Independent Serb Democratic Party (SDSS), Vojislav Stanimirovic, stressed the contribution of political representatives of the Serb minority to the peace process and successful reintegration of the Croatian Danube river region. The UNTAES mandate has left some provisions of the Erdut Agreement of a permanent character unimplemented, and the OSCE, UNHCR and other international and humanitarian organisations will have to deal with them for some time, Stanimirovic said. He stressed the special care and responsibility the Croatian government had towards the establishment of trust, two-way return of displaced persons and refugees, the right to property compensation, and a non-discriminatory approach towards all Croatian citizens, as well as the realisation of the highest standards of human rights and freedoms. UN Transitional Administrator for the Danubian region, William Walker, said: "I, and all the personnel of UNTAES, are proud to have played a part in the restoration of Croatian sovereignty over this region and the extension of full Croatian rights and privileges to all of its citizens. Today the threat of war is behind us, the region is at peace and its residents of multiple ethnicities have overwhelmingly accepted the rights and duties of Croatian citizens." "The region has been demilitarised, elections held, public services restored, and displaced persons have begun ... returning to their homes; bilateral relationships with FRY (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) approaches normalcy," Walker said. The UNTAES mission had not been an easy one and its personnel had faced severe tests. Without their efforts we would not have succeeded , Walker said, stressing that 13 members of the UNTAES had been killed during its mandate. Walker stressed the great support of the UN Secretary-General, the indefatigable leadership of the former Transitional Administrator Jacques Klein, and the determination and courage of Serb leaders, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and others. "For the people of this region the prospect of a better future lies ahead. The two-way return process has finally begun and should accelerate in the coming spring. Economic recovery is beginning," Walker said. "The critical ingredient of long-term success, real reconciliation, is finally underway. The responsibility ... now passes this afternoon to the hands of the government and the people of Croatia. They cannot live in the past, they must look forward," Walker said, adding that this would not be easy. "The UN launches a follow on police monitoring presence tomorrow (together with the OSCE). The government of President Tudjman is committed to the long-term success of the reintegration, reconciliation process. It recognises that it will be held to its commitments by strong and decisive international actions. The international spotlight will continue to be on this region," Walker said. "The United Nations, I believe, have played their part, it's time for UNTAES to leave," Walker concluded. The ceremony ended with a musical programme in which performed the Belgian Navy orchestra, and Croatian and Serb folklore societies. (hina) lm jn 151823 MET jan 98