SERB ORTHODOX CHURCH SEEKS RETURN OF PROPERTY

ZAGREB, Oct 27 (Hina) - The Serb Orthodox Church (SPC) in Croatia seeks the return of nationalised property, Zagreb parson Milenko Popovic said on Monday. The SPC believes the Law on Return of Nationalised Property from 1996 is "unfavourable", and that the problem could be resolved by an agreement between the state and the SPC on the model of the fourth agreement between Croatia and the Holy See, which among else regulates the return of nationalised property to the Roman Catholic Church. The SPC believes Croatia will in the denationalisation process apply the same principles to the SPC as to the Catholic Church, Popovic said. He explained the 1996 denationalisation law was unfavourable for the SPC particularly with regard to nationalised flats, where current tenants are given the possibility of purchase, while the SPC is left without compensation. Such proceedings are unconstitutional and illegal, said Popovic. The SPC has filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, which has not been considered yet. Our stand is that all SPC property must be returned integrally, Popovic said, adding what cannot be returned physically should be paid in compensation. We expect the state to sign an agreement similar to the one signed with the Holy See, he said. (hina) ha