SNV SUPPORTS HOLDING OF DONORS' CONFERENCE ON RECONSTRUCTION

( Editorial: --> 0827 ) ZAGREB, July 30 (Hina) - The Serb National Council (SNV) has told the international community that Croatia's Serb community is prepared to assist in the refugee return and reconstruction process in the country. SNV president Milorad Pupovac told reporters in Zagreb on Thursday that if the situation in Croatia was good as well as its perspectives, then the perspectives of the country's Serb community would be improved. He said that is why his organisation decided to express to international representatives its readiness take up its share of responsibility in realising the return and reconstruction programmes. Pupovac held a press conference following a meeting in which SNV members expressed their stance on the Programme of Return and the donors' conference for reconstruction and development. The meeting was also attended by the American Ambassador to Croatia William Montgomery, Austrian Ambassador Rudolf Bogner, European Commission special envoy Per Vinther and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission to Croatia deputy head Victor Tomaseth. Bogner, whose country currently presides over the European Union, repeated the EU's readiness to participate in the conference under condition that the return programme begins to be realised. He said first the European Commission in September and then the EU Council of Ministers would begin assessing the results of the return programme and the quality of reconstruction programmes. But judging by the Croatian Government's efforts up to now, we believe in a positive outcome and assessment ahead of the reconstruction and development conference, set down for October, Bogner said. The Austrian Ambassador emphasised how expectations from the conference should not be too high. The donors' conference should be considered as a beginning to the wider process of reconstruction and development, Bogner said. For the best possible preparations and programme for reconstruction and the donors' conference itself, the EU has suggested the Croatian Government use the advice of international experts, he said. Pupovac said SNV officials had toured war affected regions and witnessed a noticeable advance in achieving preconditions for return, renewal of trust and overall security, and advancements in establishing communication between representatives of local authorities and Serb communities in those areas. He said there was no mention of the amount of money which could be eventually promised at the donors' conference. Croatia's reconstruction needs are great and the conference itself will not be able to guarantee the necessary funds, but "it is a vital step for opening other possibilities and programmes", the SNV president said. (Hina) mbr jn 302040 MET jul 98