UN SECURITY COUNCIL ISSUES PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 1867 ) WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (Hina) - The UN Security Council Friday issued a presidential statement welcoming the successful conclusion of the UN Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium. On the occasion of a report on the Danube river region of eastern Croatia, recently submitted the UN Secretary General, the Security Council welcomed the commitment the Croatian Government had shown in the implementation of a comprehensive programme on national reconciliation, and pointed out the necessity of making further progress in that field. The Security Council was encouraged by signals of increased participation of local Serbs in Croatian politics, stressing it was significant for the Croatian Government to make further efforts in ensuring full participation of the Serb minority in the political life of the country. The Council pointed out it was necessary to ensure urgent financing for the Joint Council of (Serb majority) Municipalities. Despite the successful completion of the UNTAES mandate, the Council recalled that a lot more remained to be done. The Croatian Government continues to be responsible for the rights and security of members of all ethnic groups in Croatia, the presidential statement said, adding the Government remained bound by obligations and promises from the Basic Agreement on the Region of Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium, as well as other international agreements. In that respect, the statement said, the Security Council calls on the Croatian Government to intensify efforts aimed at promoting full reintegration and economic revitalisation of the region, especially in solving property issues and other issues obstructing the return of refugees and displaced persons, in protecting human rights, including actions to prevent abuse, in a comprehensive answer to the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of the Amnesty Act, and in taking measures and improving public trust in the Croatian police. In that context, the UN Security Council pointed out the key role of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and supported OSCE's close cooperation with UN representatives in Croatia. (hina) ha 132253 MET feb 98