WALKER: EFFICIENT LOCAL ADMINISTRATION KEY TO SUCCESSFUL REINTEGRATION

ZAGREB, Oct 21 (Hina) - An efficient local administration is the key to a peaceful reintegration of and return of displaced persons and refugees to the Danube river region of eastern Croatia, the UN Transitional Administrator for the Croatian Danube region, William Walker, said in a Tuesday statement issued by the UNTAES. Half the number of municipalities in the UN-administered part of eastern Croatia function normally at the moment, Walker said. In some municipalities however, he added, Vukovar in particular, the city assembly had not held a third session. The delays were unacceptable, he said. Walker called on all elected representatives in the Vukovar city assembly to immediately start complying with their commitments. The UNTAES called on elected officials to come live and work in the region, the UNTAES statement said. Walker believes the assessment of the security situation in the region is not corroborated by facts. He mentioned statements by high officials of the Croatian Interior Ministry according to which the security situation in the region was as good as or better than in other parts of Croatia. The UNTAES and the Transitional Police Force will continue to take necessary measures to ensure a climate of safety and protection in the Croatian Danube region, the UNTAES statement said, adding these measures will enable local councils to immediately begin their functions. (hina) ha mm 212013 MET oct 97