PREMIER MATESA RECEIVES OUTGOING UN TRANSITIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

( Editorial: --> 6520 ) ZAGREB, 22 Jan (Hina) - Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa received the outgoing UN Transitional Administrator for Eastern Slavonia, William Walker, on Thursday. The two officials talked about the successful completion of the UNTAES mandate and tasks Croatia is facing in the reconstruction of the Danube River region. Speaking about the completion of the UNTAES mandate, which ended on 15 January, Walker said there were many things that should be done in the Croatian Danubian region. One of those tasks was the establishment of a fully-operational economic infrastructure in the region, which would help that part of Croatia develop so that local residents could see their future in the region. "Croatia will completely fulfil all of its obligations from the Government Letter of Intent (on the peaceful reintegration of the Danube River region)," Matesa said. "Croatia will not tolerate any incidents in the Croatian Danube River region regardless of who caused them," the Premier said. The Croatian President and the Government "have given clear orders to all those who care for the safety of Croatian citizens to act effectively, quickly and in line with the legal order", Matesa added. Great responsibility rests with the local administration and self- government, which is the reason for the establishment of a special coordinating body which is to see that the local administration and self-government are implementing the state policy, Matesa said. Croatia will "do all it can" in reconstructing the region and reviving its economy. "Croatia is counting on the reasonable and possible assistance of the international community in the economic reconstruction of the Danubian region," Matesa said, thanking Ambassador Walker on his own behalf and the Government's behalf for all Ambassador Walker personally did for the reintegration of the region within the planned deadline. From my meeting with Premier Matesa three or four months ago, the situation developed very positively, which brought about the successful completion of the UNTAES mission, Walker said, thanking Matesa for assistance and cooperation. At the end of the meeting, Walker expressed 'cautious optimism' regarding the future of the Croatian Danube River region. (hina) jn rm 222135 MET jan 98