ZAGREB, Dec 5 (Hina) - The international community on Saturday +voiced a mainly declarative support to the reconstruction and +development of Croatia, while only a few countries made concrete +statements on financial assistance.+ The
European Commission announced ECU15 million for extant +programmes in Croatia next year, and an additional ECU1 million for +mine-clearing programmes.+ France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Greece, and Japan were +among the countries at the two-day international donors' +conference on the reconstruction and development of Croatia which +announced earmarking fresh funds for reconstruction, development, +and mine-clearing projects.+ The French government would suggest the parliament grant up to FRF1 +million for mine-clearing projects in Croatia, which should be +selected in the next few days, French delegate Allain Rouilla
ZAGREB, Dec 5 (Hina) - The international community on Saturday
voiced a mainly declarative support to the reconstruction and
development of Croatia, while only a few countries made concrete
statements on financial assistance.
The European Commission announced ECU15 million for extant
programmes in Croatia next year, and an additional ECU1 million for
mine-clearing programmes.
France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Greece, and Japan were
among the countries at the two-day international donors'
conference on the reconstruction and development of Croatia which
announced earmarking fresh funds for reconstruction, development,
and mine-clearing projects.
The French government would suggest the parliament grant up to FRF1
million for mine-clearing projects in Croatia, which should be
selected in the next few days, French delegate Allain Rouillard
told the conference, which opened in Zagreb yesterday.
The Belgian government should grant next week ECU750,000 for non-
discriminatory reconstruction, said Ambassador Frans Hintjens,
adding additional funds would soon be earmarked for a United
Nations fund aimed at implementing mine-clearing projects in
Croatia.
Dutch Ambassador Ida van Veldhuizen-Rothnbucher announced a NLG4
million increase in financial assistance for Croatia.
Greece and Japan announced US$200,000 each for reconstruction and
mine-clearing projects.
Norway too announced an increase in mine-clearing funds.
Italy, said Ambassador Fabio Pigliapoco, would commence
implementing a ECU3.4 million worth reconstruction programme in
eastern Slavonia. An additional ECU250,000 was earmarked upon
being invited to the reconstruction conference, he added.
Hungary saw its role in the reconstruction of Croatia on a business
basis, through the establishment of joint companies.
Austria announced considerable Austrian Export Agency guarantees
for long-term project financing, which is expected to incite
Austrian companies to invest in Croatia.
According to Minister Michael Weninger, some Austrian ministries
had already chosen the reconstruction and development projects
Austria would participate in.
International representatives today reiterated any international
assistance to Croatia would depend on the level on which the
reconstruction and development programme was implemented
indiscriminately.
"It is essential that all refugees, regardless of ethnic belonging,
have the right to return," said Norwegian Ambassador Knut Morkved.
France's Rouillard said compliance with conditions set for the
return of minorities would "make international cooperation in the
reconstruction easier."
"Political determination is essential," said Swiss Ambassador
Petar Troendle, adding Croatia could not condition the
implementation of the reconstruction and refugee return programme
on international assistance.
"The United Kingdom, with partners in the European Union, will
place considerable emphasis on democratic infrastructure," said
British Ambassador Colin Munro.
Most participants in the conference assessed the reconstruction
programme drafted by the Croatian government as a solid and
balanced foundation for the return of all refugees.
Bosnian representative Mato Tadic called on the international
community to give special support to projects of common interest
for Croatia and Bosnia.
(hina) ha jn