METROPOLITAN JOVAN CALLS ON SERB REFUGEES TO RETURN TO CROATIA

BELGRADE, 23 Aug (Hina) - The Serb Orthodox Bishop of Zagreb, Ljubljana and Italy, Metropolitan Jovan, called on Serb refugees to return to Croatia and the Yugoslav authorities to help them return. At a press conference held in the patriarch's residence in the Serb Orthodox church in Belgrade on the occasion of his visit to Croatia in July and August, Metropolitan Jovan said that the conditions for the return of Serbs and Orthodox clergy do exist. #L# "The Croatian state has still not regulated many questions, but this does not mean that we should give up the areas which were ours for centuries," Metropolitan Jovan said adding that those areas should "not be ceded to newcomers", including Kosovo Croats. The Metropolitan said that a religious service would be held on the occasion of the Orthodox holiday of Assumption, on 28 August in Lepavina monastery between Krizevci and Koprivnica. The word 'reconciliation', which is often being used, is too strong when it comes to the two churches, because it was not the churches which were in conflict, but "there was a political conflict between the Serbs, Croats and Muslims", the Metropolitan said. Both churches have to use their influence and help revive abandoned homes and destroyed villages on both sides, he said. (hina) rm 231735 MET aug 97