OSCE ANSWERS MATESA'S REMARKS

( Editorial: --> 2307 ) ZAGREB, March 25 (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe mission believes a clear policy of Croatian Government support to the return of Bosnian Croats who took refuge in Croatia could step up the return process within Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, an OSCE spokesman told a regular press conference in Zagreb Wednesday. Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa said last week that the OSCE mission and the Croatian Government should hold talks on the return of Bosnian Croats to their homes, OSCE spokesman Mark Thompson told reporters. He adding that the OSCE, aware of the complexity of the issue, is looking forward to any talks that may contribute to its resolution. Thompson said that the OSCE mission had got in touch with Bosnian Croat representatives and that mission head Tim Guldimann met with them during an inspection of an OSCE office on the ground. Bosnian Croats had complained that Croatian authorities were not willing to facilitate the return to their homes, the spokesman said. Thompson believed the best way to avoid the manipulation of these people was for the Croatian Government to adopt a clear policy on their return. At today's press conference the OSCE thought it was necessary to explain statements Premier Matesa made during a March 18 meeting with a delegation of the Association of Returnees of Croatia. Matesa had said the OSCE mission was neglecting the interests of Croatian displaced persons in Croatia. Since it was not the first time that the mission was accused of partiality, the OSCE is disappointed that the accusation came from such a high position, Thompson said. The OSCE mission has a mandate and is deployed in line with international agreements which Croatia okayed, the spokesman said. No one should be surprised that in its everyday work the mission could not avoid paying special attention to the protection of the rights of minorities, Thompson pointed out. The OSCE commended the performance of Assistant Interior Minister Josko Moric in eastern Croatia. The police are doing a good job in criminal investigation, but their efficiency is not the same when it comes to instances of harassment and threats in war-affected areas, the spokesman said. The OSCE called on the Justice Ministry to fully enforce the Amnesty Law, not only in eastern Croatia but throughout the country. (hina) ha mm /mb 251817 MET mar 98