CRO GOVT TABLES DRAFT LAW ON COOPERATION WITH WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL

ZAGREB, Feb 9 (Hina) - The Croatian Government today tabled a draft constitutional law on the cooperation of the Republic of Croatia with the International War Crimes Tribunal for parliamentary procedure. The Government also passed a Reconstruction Bill, a draft programme for the return of refugees, and directives for promoting the employment of demilitarised soldiers. The draft constitutional law was presented by Deputy Prime Minister Ljerka Mintas Hodak. The existing cooperation between the Government and the Tribunal lacked a proper legal framework whereby certain provisions of the Tribunal's statute would be incorporated into the Croatian legislation, Minas Hodak explained. The draft law regulates the communication between Croatia and the International Tribunal, the functioning of the Tribunal on Croatian territory and the extradition of people charged with war crimes. After passing the draft constitutional law, the Government discussed the employment of demobilised soldiers. It was agreed that ministries, local authorities and public companies would establish how many workers were needed and elaborate a retraining programme for demobbed soldiers. Development and Reconstruction Minister Jure Radic expounded a programme for the return of refugees. Another 20,000 houses would be rebuilt by next summer, which would enable the return of 70,000 people. Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa presented to the Government the new Transport, Communications and Maritime Affairs minister, Zeljko Luzavec. (hina) jn as 091717 MET feb 96