RESIDENTS TO VOTE ON STATUS OF EASTERN CROATIAN VILLAGE

( Editorial: --> 1530 ) TENJA, May 5 (Hina) - Residents of the provisional municipality of Tenja on Monday started a four-day voting process on whether to give the eastern Croatian village the status of a permanent municipality. Former United Nations transitional administrator Jacques Klein established the temporary municipality of Tenja for a period of one year. The non-binding referendum, initiated by Independent Serb Democratic Party (SDSS) councillors, will last until May 8. Tenja's provisional mayor Stojanka Knezevic said the right to vote would only be given to people residing in Tenja. Refugees who temporarily reside in Tenja are unable to vote. If the Croatian Parliament and Government do not confirm the results of the non-binding referendum, Tenja at the end of its one- year provisional municipal status will again become part of the City of Osijek. Tenja was within the Osijek local government area before 1991. Deputy provisional mayor Tomo Povreslo told Hina that Croat councillors and displaced Tenja residents were against the referendum but for Tenja's return within the City of Osijek. (Hina) mb /as 051449 MET may 98