CRO AMBASSADOR HANDS OVER BINDING INSTRUCTIONS YUG AUTHORITIES

( Editorial: --> 4851 ) BELGRADE, May 19 (Hina) - Croatian Ambassador to Yugoslavia Zvonimir Markovic on Monday handed over to Yugoslav Foreign Minister a note representing binding instructions from the Croatian Government for the implementation of the process for individual return of refugees to Croatia. These instructions have simplified the process to obtain Croatian citizenship for refugees. Markovic introduced contents of the document at a press conference held at the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade. Markovic said Croatia is ready to satisfy all norms and principals requested by the international community regarding returnees, adding that 24,000 requests for return have been submitted to the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade. Priority will be given to those whose homes have not been damaged, following less damaged homes and those whose family members can offer assistance, said Markovic. Credit for reconstruction of homes will be given in accordance with financial possibilities and foreign support. Without foreign financial support return would be prolonged, said Markovic. Answering to the question of Serb owned property in Croatia, Markovic said that it is protected and owne0rs can freely do as they wish with their property, they can also sell property according to the market laws. Referring to the problem of 1,300 Croatians in Kosovo who wish to leave Yugoslavia, Markovic cautioned about the complexity of the process of return and the need for coordinating the responsible institutions of Croatia, Yugoslavia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Markovic appraised that Croatian-Yugoslav relations are continuously improving, and success in implementing the returnee programme will contribute to bilateral relations where by visas will be suspended, being the "crown in normal relations between Croatia and Yugoslavia". (hina) dgr/lm jn 191322 MET may 98