GRANIC RECEIVES U.N. CHIEF FOR PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

( Editorial: --> 8393 ) ZAGREB, April 21 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on Tuesday received UN Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Bernard Miyet, in Zagreb, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Granic stressed the readiness of the Croatian Government and President Franjo Tudjman to continue the policy which lead to the successful completion of the UN mission in eastern Slavonia. Granic also informed Miyet about steps made by the Government with the aim of further normalising the situation in the Danube River region and other war-devastated areas of Croatia. Miyet expressed satisfaction with the work of the Croatian police in the Danube region. The consistent implementation of the agreement on peaceful reintegration of the Danube River region and other Croatian Government documents would confirm Croatia's commitment to European standards and result in the gradual withdrawal of the UN and other monitoring missions from Croatia, Miyet mused. Granic informed his guest about the Government Programme of Return, which is currently being discussed in Parliament. The Croatian Government fully respects the right to private property, Granic said. Miyet welcomed this stand stressing that every person had the right to return. Despite some statements, there will be no large-scale return, he added. The two officials concluded that return should proceed in line with a well-coordinated plan and that it had to be secure and dignified and depend on Croatia's possibilities. (hina) jn rm /mb 211603 MET apr 98