PRESIDENT'S CHIEF OF STAFF RECEIVES HEAD OF OSCE MISSION

( Editorial: --> 7348 ) ZAGREB, 26 Jan (Hina) - Hrvoje Sarinic, the Croatian President's Chief Of Staff, on Monday received Tim Guldimann, head of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Croatia, the President's office said in a statement. The meeting focused on the situation in the Croatian Danube River region. It was stressed that the situation 11 days after the withdrawal of UNTAES remained peaceful and stable. Ambassador Guldimann expressed concern about cases of spontaneous evictions of temporary tenants, adding that this could cause tension in the region. On behalf of the Croatian government, Sarinic confirmed that any attempt of eviction outside the mechanism of two-way return would be prevented. The agreed mechanism foresees that no displaced person occupying a house can be evicted unless appropriate alternative accommodation has been found. It was stressed that all means should be explored to resolve such disputes in a satisfactory way. A court decision for an eviction should be the last resort. The problem of accommodating refugees would be solved in line with the Tripartite Agreement, signed by the Croatian Government, the UN and UNHCR. Sarinic reiterated that the police have been given instructions and are acting accordingly. Ambassador Guldimann expressed full support on behalf of the OSCE for the active and constructive policy of the Croatian government in implementing the two-way return and ensuring the peaceful development of events in the Danube River region. (hina) mm rm 261945 MET jan 98