DEPARTURE OF SERBS SOLELY MOTIVATED BY ECONOMIC REASONS - JURICA

( Editorial: --> 5057 ) ZAGREB, Feb 27 (Hina) - The departure of a certain number of Serbs from the Croatian Danube River region is exclusively economically and not politically motivated, Croatian Government spokesman Neven Jurica told a press conference on Friday. Commenting on objections directed towards Croatia by the international community because of the emigration of Serbs, Jurica said that the Croatian government "expects that the international community, in particular the forthcoming donors' conference, will provide financial aid for the Danubian region, which will secure conditions which will no longer motivate people to emigrate". "One cannot expect a democratic society to forcibly restrict freedom of movement of Croatian citizens," said Jurica. He reiterated the Government's determination to fulfil all obligations it had taken over, as well as to continue the consistent policy of trust restoration, the two-way return process etc. Jurica also commented on the 20 February trade union protest in Zagreb. The protest was organised completely contrary to the laws of logic, exactly at the time of intense and fruitful negotiations between the Government and trade unions, he said. It can therefore be concluded that its aim was primarily to cause disorder, he added. This conclusion can be supported with the fact that the organisers of the protest wanted to stage the rally in the central square despite a decision by the municipal leadership which proposes other locations for such gatherings. The organisers were more concerned with the location of the rally than with its purpose, Jurica added. Credit should go to police officers who, despite provocations, showed determination to protect law and order, without using force, the Government spokesman said. (hina) jn rm 271755 MET feb 98