CROATIAN GOVERNMENT ADOPTS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME

( Editorial: --> 8659 ) ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - The Croatian Government on Thursday adopted a programme of further renewal of places demolished during the recent war and the Serbian occupation. The programme is one of the pre-conditions for calling an international conference on the reconstruction and development of Croatia. The programme includes the reconstruction of 80,000 houses and flats, as well as infrastructure in the war-damaged villages, and its total value is US$2.6 billion. The programme has also been supported by representatives of the international community, said Jure Radic, Minister of Reconstruction and Development. The reconstruction covers all objects damaged up to January 15, 1998, the end of the peaceful reintegration of Danube River Region in eastern Croatia. Croats from Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia who decided to stay in Croatia are also included in the programme, said Radic. If the programme is to be financed by Croatia its implementation will last five years. The deadline could be reduced through international financial assistance, Radic said, adding the date of the donors' conference would be decided next week. The Government supported the proposed programme, stressing it should be accompanied by the economic revival, with the state enticing private business. The Government bound the ministries of Economy and Reconstruction and Development, as well as the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to draft a plan for the revival of economy. The deadline for people with Croatian documents to be included in the reconstruction programme is three months from the day the programme is adopted, while for those outside Croatia and without Croatian documents, the deadline is three months from the day of receiving Croatian documents, Radic elaborated. He said preparations for the construction of some completely new settlements are nearing completion. Radic recalled that so far Croatia had invested US$2.5 billion in reconstruction, mostly its own money. The approximate direct war damage is US$10.6 billion. One quarter of all production plants were damaged or demolished. About ten percent of the overall housing fund, or 171,705 flats of houses, were demolished. (hina) it jn/ha 151805 MET oct 98