LOWER HOUSE ENACTS BILL ON COMPENSATION FOR SEIZED PROPERTY

ZAGREB, Oct 11 (Hina) - The House of Representatives on Friday enacted a bill on compensation for property seized by the Yugoslav Communist state, with 82 votes in favour, 18 against and 5 abstentions. The Bill was mainly supported by Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) deputies, while Social Liberals, Croatian Peasant Party members and some other Opposition members voted against it. The Bill, which is to come into force on January 1 next year, was enacted after the House passed 20 out of 151 proposed amendments. It applies to property seized between May 15, 1945 to June 25, 1991. Former owners or their direct heirs are entitled to compensation for property seized by the Yugoslav state between May 15, 1945 and June 25, 1991. Compensation will be granted either in money or in securities, while restitution in kind will be applied only exceptionally. Foreign claimants are not entitled to any compensation, except in cases where such compensation is provided for by international treaties. According to the Justice Ministry, 25,059 persons have filed 67,433 claims for restitution of variuos kinds of property - companies (1,805) claims, real estate (49,229 claims) and movables (1,961 claims). There are 29,414 claims for flats and 16,189 claims for office buildings. (hina) jn vm as 111835 MET oct 96