GRANIC & RADIC ACQUAINT DIPLOMATS WITH DONORS' CONFERENCE PLAN

ZAGREB, Nov 16 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic on Monday received representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Croatia to present the programme of a conference on the reconstruction and development of Croatia. Granic said Croatia had conducted all preparations for the early December donors' conference, and especially emphasised the political importance the conference had for Croatia. Croatia confirmed its commitment to reconstruction by earmarking significant funds from the budget, he added, pointing out international support had great significance, and that Croatia's expectations were realistic. Radic recalled that the Croatian government had, in cooperation with the international community, made a refugee return programme, which was now followed by a reconstruction programme. The conference on reconstruction and development was a new step in the implementation of the latter, he said. On behalf of the European Union (EU), Austrian Ambassador Rudolf Bogner confirmed EU's participation in the conference. He emphasised the importance of dialogue between Croatia and the international community in the reconstruction process which, he said, would assist the return process. (hina) ha mm