USAID ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 7845 ) ZAGREB, 28 Jan (Hina) - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is starting a US $13.5-million-worth assistance program for the reconstruction of houses and economy in the war-ravaged areas of Croatia, USAID director Brian Atwood said on Wednesday, following his talks with Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. President Tudjman greeted the USAID initiative, stressing it could attract other international donors. USAID expected full-partnership relations with the Croatian government and through that partnership, help in the return of all displaced people, that is members of all ethnic groups, said Atwood, who held talks with several high ranking Croatian officials. Atwood was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, William Dale Montgomery. USAID wants to secure the return of every Croatian citizen who lost their home, Atwood said, adding the assistance was intended for municipalities whose local officials agreed with the return of refugees. He said he expected that the implementation of the USAID program would start in a month in cooperation with the International Office for Migration, based in Geneva. Atwood said he had told President Tudjman that the US government was satisfied with its cooperation with Croatia over the past several months in regards to the implementation of the UNTAES mandate and the Dayton agreement. He added he hoped for further progress of democratisation in Croatia. It is very important for Croatia to have strong, independent and responsible media, if it wants to join European institutions, he said. He added that his agency had already helped independent media and would continue to do so. That was why USAID was planning a special meeting with representatives of Croatia's independent media, Atwood added. (hina) mm rm 281843 MET jan 98