OSCE MISSION IN CROATIA ISSUES REPORT ( Editorial: --> 8650 )

( Editorial: --> 8650 ) ZAGREB, 6 Nov (Hina) - The Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Croatia on Wednesday submitted a report to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, relating to numerous complaints about discrimination and lack of proper functioning of public institutions. The report also stresses that since the beginning of October there have been indications of positive political decisions and changes in the country, said a statement from the OSCE office in Zagreb on Thursday. Numerous complaints concerning discrimination and lack of proper functioning of public institutions have been reported by individuals to the Field Offices of the Mission, regarding investment and employment, problems with the issuance and recognition of documents, lack of implementation of court decisions and discrimination in school, the statement said. "Special attention will be given to the question whether discrimination is a result of policy, and if so, at what level this happens". Since the beginning of October, there have been different indications of positive decisions and changes in compliance with international expectations, the statement said. The Mission welcomes 'The National Trust Establishment Programme' and is in contact with the president of its National Commission, Ms Skare-Ozbolt, in view of cooperation of the Commission with the OSCE. The Mission also welcomes the handing over of 10 indicted war criminals to the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia in The Hague and some indications of more objective reporting in the media. The head of the Mission, Ambassador Tim Guldimann, has already had a series of meetings with high governmental representatives, who expressed an open and cooperative attitude towards the extended Mission. The Mission, according to its mandate, provides assistance and expertise to the Croatian authorities as well as to individuals and organisations in view of the protection of human rights and the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. After the withdrawal of the U.N. Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia (UNTAES), the OSCE Mission will be the biggest international organisation in Croatia. Along with 16 local offices, the Mission has coordination centres in Knin, Sisak, Daruvar and Vukovar. (hina) jn rm 061552 MET nov 97