TWO SIDES - TWO APPROACHES TO ISSUE OF MISSING, DETAINED - VJESNIK

VJESNIK $ COMMENTARY ZAGREB, 18 April (Hina) - 'Vjesnik' journalist Ivkica Bacic writes in today's issue of the paper about the Croatian-Yugoslav talks on missing and detained persons, held in Zagreb in the last two days: '....Considerable differences were expressed again, not only relating to the number of missing and detained, but also to the approach, that is, the state level which would be able to take the responsibility and lift the suspense of the families of missing and detained as soon as possible. The Belgrade delegation stated that there is 'not a single detained person' in custody of Serbian authorities and asked that the question of missing and detained persons be dealt with exclusively by experts, because 'our discussions become more difficult when the issue is being politicized'. On the other side, the Croatian delegation proposed that the next negotiations 'be held on a higher political level because the solution to this difficult issue demands the political will of both parties'. Two sides - two approaches to the problem. How to reconcile them? One thing is sure - the dialogue which has started should not be interrupted. However, a step further in the politicizing of the issue is needed and both sides are bound by the agreement between the Croatian and Yugoslav foreign ministers Mate Granic and Milan Milutinovic respectively to make such a step. If more intense internationalization of the problem of missing and detained persons is the only way to make Belgrade cooperate then it should be carried out', Ivkica Bacic concludes. (hina) rm mm 181118 MET apr 96