PRIME MINISTER VALENTIC IN OKUCANI

OKUCANI, May 5 (Hina) - "I can solemnly declare there wasn't any looting," Croatian Prime Minister Nikica Valentic told reporters in Okucani today. Valentic led a Croatian government delegation on a visit to the liberated area of western Slavonia. Some isolated incidents may have occurred, but anybody who took part in them, would face criminal prosecution, Valentic said. During talks with local civilian and military representatives Valentic charged them to "exercise maximum concern for civilians and property in the area." He warned of possible incidents and isolated provocations which could discredit the Croatian authorities, and thus should be decisively and immediately prevented. "We want to assure all civilians they can return to their homes," Valentic said. He stressed it would be as serious a task as the liberation itself. Valentic repeated all civilians would be protected, while only war criminals would stand trial. "Government structures must work, but on the basis of law, not on emotions or some individual arbitrariness," he said. Reporters were told that ethnic Serb civilians had already received their first social welfare payments, while Croatian Pension Fund had initiated proceedings to verify their pension rights. Health Minister Andrija Hebrang added that all civilians would obtain health insurance. (Hina) mm bk 051804 MET may 95