MATESA: SERBS LEAVING EASTERN CROATIA - NOT GOVERNMENT AIM

( Editorial: --> 4752 ) ZAGREB, Feb 26 (Hina) - Serbs leaving the Croatian Danube River region is not the aim of the Croatian government, and this has been repeated by the Croatian President many times, Premier Zlatko Matesa told journalists on Thursday. On completion of today's government session, the Premier was asked to comment on criticisms by the international community and some members of the National Trust Establishment Committee, that Croatia is responsible for the slow implementation of the two-way return and the departure of Serbs from the Croatian Danube River region. Croatia is prepared to abide by all commitments it took over following the UNTAES withdrawal on 15 January, said Matesa. All those who hold any post in the Croatian Danube River region must fully implement the state policy. The government will insist on this and if needs be, replace people, said Matesa. The Premier said he had given government agencies and ministries clear instructions to solve the most urgent problem as soon as possible - moving Serbs from Croat houses and accommodating them in their own houses in the Croatian Danube River region or other parts of Croatia. The Croatian government is not abandoning its objective to continue and successfully finish the process of peaceful reintegration, concluded Matesa. (hina) mm mrb 261522 MET feb 98