BRITISH AMBASSADOR ON VISIT TO EASTERN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Apr 8 (Hina) - British Ambassador Gavin Hewitt spoke about his visit to Slavonia and Baranja (eastern Croatia) in a Croatian TV current affairs show last night. Hewitt visited Vinkovci, Nustar, Osijek, Beli Manastir, Erdut and Vukovar. "As ambassador to Croatia, I wanted to show I was ambassador to the whole of Croatia," Hewitt said. "It is a strong political message." Speaking about UNSC Resolution 981, he said it was an important political statement which outlined the way certain issues should be solved. But the difficulty lay between the Resolution and its implementation on the ground, Hewitt said. During his visit to Croatia's occupied areas, Hewitt had been "surprised and amazed" to encounter such strong opposition to the idea that the inhabitants of the occupied areas should again become Croatian citizens of Serb nationality, that is, reintegrated. "They reject the idea they could have a better life, in the economic sense. They say, it's not important, what's important is the spirit of Serbhood," Hewitt said, hopeful that there were still "many people out there who are sick and tired of war and attracted to what they see on the other side, in Croatia." When the reintegration process started, everybody should keep cool and deal with the current problems - the ceasefire, the economic agreeement, political talks and agreements - which could not be resolved on the battlefield, Hewitt advised. Speaking about the possible recognition of Bosnia- Herzegovina and Croatia by Belgrade, Hewitt said the Contact Group was very clear on this point: sanctions would not be lifted, suspended or alleviated until Belgrade recognised both countries. (hina) as 081041 MET apr 95