SERBS FROM DANUBE REGION ASK FOR INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AFTER 15 JAN

JAN ( Editorial: --> 3671 ) VUKOVAR, 25 Nov (Hina) - The Joint Council of (Serb-dominated) Municipalities from the Croatian Danube river region and the Serb Democratic Independent Party (SDSS) sent a report on the situation in the region to the United Nations and other international organisations, as well as to the Croatian Government. The Joint Council and the SDSS stressed the importance of an international presence in the area after the completion of the UNTAES mandate on 15 January. This was necessary because of the implementation of the Erdut agreement on peaceful reintegration and permanent stabilisation of the situation in the area, the report said. The report expressed satisfaction with the way peaceful reintegration was being implemented, but it also claimed that the Croatian Government had still not created all necessary conditions for the return of all displaced people and refugees. The Government treated displaced Serbs in a discriminatory way when it came to the reconstruction of their houses and social care, the report said. Stressing that the highest standards of human rights and basic freedoms were not being respected in the area, the Joint Council and the SDSS also objected to the still unresolved question of tenancy rights, inconsistent application of amnesty law and pension rights, problems in health care and the issuing of personal documents, and to irregularities and failures in justice, administration and public services. Although improved, inter-ethnic relations had not yet reached the level which could guarantee peaceful and safe living, the report said, adding the deteriorated security situation in the area was causing the residents of the area to emigrate. (hina) jn rm 252122 MET nov 97