NEW INTIMIDATION TREND IN EASTERN CROATIA - UN POLICE SUPPORT GROUP

( Editorial: --> 3552 ) ZAGREB, May 13 (Hina) - The UN Police Support Group is concerned of a new trend of intimidation and harassment in eastern Croatia, UNPSG spokeswoman Kirsten Haupt said Wednesday. The attacks are not directed only at members of the Serb minority, but other ethnic groups as well, Haupt told reporters at a joint press conference of the UNPSG, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. We are concerned with the new character and ways of intimidation and harassment which has spread on other ethnic groups, the UNPSG spokeswoman emphasised. Haupt said this mainly referred to the intimidation of Hungarians and Croats who stayed in the Danube river region after 1991. She pointed out two instances of intimidation in Beli Manastir for which Croats were responsible. Local police are acquainted with most cases and have taken adequate steps to investigate them, she said, adding cooperation between the UN and local police was satisfactory. Haupt pointed out Croatian national and local authorities should take a more active approach to creating and maintaining a climate of confidence which, she said, is the basis of stability, the rule of law and order. According to OSCE spokesman Mark Thompson, his mission is to continue carefully monitoring the refugee return process, while international representatives and the Croatian government are discussing the remarks by the international community on certain parts of a procedure for the individual return of persons who left Croatia. UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic said his organisation is conducting intensive discussions on operational return plans with representatives of the Croatian government. He was satisfied with the statements made by political parties in support of the return of Croatian citizens. The UNPSG spokeswoman said another mine-clearing action had begun in Antunovac, eastern Croatia, to facilitate reconstruction and normalisation of living. It will last a month and cost US$115,000. UNHCR's Mahecic said the latest data showed that 2,240 asylum requests, including 600 for children, had been submitted to date by Serbs who wish to leave Croatia for Norway. Norwegian authorities reached 184 decisions covering 260 persons. Of these, seven requests, covering 12 persons, have been granted. Forty-two requests have been withdrawn, Mahecic concluded. (hina) ha /dgr 131507 MET may 98