OSCE HAILS PEACEFUL TAKEOVER OF POWER IN DANUBIAN AREA

( Editorial: --> 6231 ) ZAGREB, Jan 21 (Hina) - Head of the OSCE mission in Croatia, Tim Guldiman, welcomed the peaceful atmosphere in which the Croatian government assumed responsibility of the Danube region on 15 January, the OSCE mission said in a statement on Wednesday. In a weekly report to the OSCE permanent council, Guldiman said there was a feeling of "cautious optimism" in the Danubian area, although important issues concerning the return of displaced persons and refugees still had to be resolved. "Illegal evictions of Serbs occupying Croat houses constitute a threat to public order in the Danube region. Over the last few days an increase in numbers of illegal evictions is reported," the statement said, adding that thanks to a quick and determined action of the Croatian government, the situation is for now under control. During the war in the Croatian Danube river region, only one of 40 Catholic priests remained in the Danubian area, while over one hundred churches had been destroyed, the OSCE said. "Orthodox priests have had difficulties obtaining the necessary Croatian documents. OSCE is concerned about this situation, because the citizens' access to church services is believed to be an important factor to stabilise the situation in the Danube region," the statement said. "From Knin as well as Sisak there are reports of substantial obstacles for return. In the Knin area this is linked to unresolved property issues, insufficient financial assistance and delay in issuance of documents. Lack of confidence in the legal system is also believed to be a decisive factor. In the area of Sisak the Serb Democratic Forum claims that 90% of the returnees have to wait 1-5 months to obtain the card that entitles them to assistance," the OSCE said. (hina) lm jn 212130 MET jan 98