DONORS' CONFERENCE TO BE HELD PROBABLY IN JULY: GRANIC

( Editorial: --> 0226 ) BANJA LUKA, April 28 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic stated on Tuesday a donors' conference on the reconstruction and development of Croatia would probably take place in July and not in mid-May as had been previously announced. In his communique after today's regional conference on the return of displaced people and refugees in Banja Luka, Granic explained the donors' conference had to be postponed so that Croatia could draft a comprehensive plan of reconstruction and development. "That has been requested by the international community and we accepted it," Granic said. The plan would provide the basis for a final and comprehensive plan for the return of refugees, which needs to be ratified by the Croatian Parliament no later than two days before the conference. When asked to comment on the conference on the return of refugees, Granic said it was "a step forward in the peace process". Yesterday's adoption of a document specifying the procedure for the return to Croatia by the Croatian Government is especially important, Granic added. In Banja Luka Granic talked with Bosnian Serb Prime Minister Milorad Dodik. After the meeting Granic stated that Dodik would visit Croatia in mid-May. Then we will sign an agreement on the return of refugees and discuss a bilateral trade agreement, he said. Granic and Dodik also tackled the opening of Croatia's general consulate in Banja Luka, probably in late May, and dropping of the visa requirement for the Bosnian Serb republic's citizens, as soon as that Bosnian entity issued passports conforming to Bosnia- Herzegovina standards. We also talked about communications. Croatia is especially interested in reopening the road through the Bosnian Serb entity to the Adriatic coast during the summer season, Granic said. (Hina) jn mr /mb 282153 MET apr 98