VIENNA, 20 April (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe decided to establish an OSCE Mission to the Republic of Croatia, an OSCE statement said yesterday.
VIENNA, 20 April (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and
Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe decided to establish an OSCE Mission
to the Republic of Croatia, an OSCE statement said yesterday. #L#
The decision was made on the basis of the reports of the Fact-
Finding Mission of the OSCE to Croatia and of the Personal
Representative of the Chairman-In-Office on his visit to Croatia in
February this year, the statement said.
Reaffirming its full support for the independence, sovereignty
and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia, the OSCE
stressed that it would provide assistance and expertise to the
Croatian authorities at all levels, as well as to interested
individuals, groups and organisations, in the field of the
protection of human rights of persons belonging to national
minorities.
The Mission would also assist and advise on the full
implementation of legislation and monitor the proper functioning
and development of democratic institutions, processes and
mechanisms.
In carrying out its tasks, the Mission would co-operate with
and use the expertise of the OSCE High Commissioner on National
Minorities and of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human
Rights. It would also co-operate with other international
organisations and institutions, notably the Council of Europe, the
ECMM, the Special Envoy for Regional Issues, UNHCR, the ICRC and
relevant NGOs.
The Mission would offer close cooperation to UNTAES, in
particular as regards confidence-building and reconciliation, as
well as the development of democratic institutions, processes and
mechanisms at the municipal and district/county level.
The Mission would establish its headquarters in Zagreb and
regional offices in Knin and Vukovar. It would be composed of 8
members at headquarters, and of up to 3 members at each regional
office. The appointment of the Head of Mission by the Chairman-In-
Office would be subject to consultation with the authorities of the
host country.
The initial duration of the Mission would be until 31 December
1996. Prolongation and changes of mandate would be subject to a new
decision by the Permanent Council, the statement said.
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