IOM TO ASSIST RETURN AND RECONSTRUCTION IN EASTERN CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 8356 ) ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - A return and reconstruction assistance programme to be carried out by the International Organisation for Migrations and the United States Agency for International Development should soon commence in eastern Croatia, the IOM deputy managing director Narcisa de Leon Escaler said in Zagreb Friday. "We want to show Croatia the willingness of the international community and international organisations to assist the Croatian Government in the normalisation process, in line with the Erdut Agreement", Escaler told reporters. Over the next two years, the USAID will finance the programme with close to US$ 14 million, whereas the IOM will be in charge of a programme to be implemented in close cooperation with local authorities. The IOM will cooperate with 16 eastern Croatian municipalities which were under UN transitional administration until January 15, 1998. According to Escaler, "local authorities should state their priorities and suggest programmes the USAID will finance and the IOM carry out." The return and reconstruction assistance programme will focus on the development of the infrastructure and programmes on the reconstruction and development of municipalities. The aim, said Escaler, is to create conditions for normal living both for returnees and the local population who stayed in the area. However, she stressed, this was not a direct programme for the return of displaced persons and refugees, but one which followed related programmes of the Croatian Government and non-government organisations. Today, representatives of the IOM and the USAID should sign an agreement on the joint programme, expected to being within a month. (hina) ha 301454 MET jan 98