UNTAES MISSION SUCCESSFUL - KINKEL

( Editorial: --> 4656 ) BONN/ZAGREB, 15 Jan (Hina) - Speaking about the completion of the UNTAES mandate in the Croatian Danube River region, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said he believed the Croatian government and local Serb representatives had "a sincere wish to continue on the path of reconciliation which they have taken" after the UNTAES mandate as well. A statement from the German Foreign Ministry issued Thursday praises the UN leaders of this mission - ambassadors Klein and Walker and their associates for the successful implementation of their mission and reintegration of the Danube River region, which Serbs occupied in 1991. Success achieved so far gives hope for further development of eastern Slavonia, said Kinkel, emphasising that the international community is ready to provide further "advice and assistance". Croats and Serbs had a good partner in the Mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Croatia when it comes to "the further application of the commitments undertaken in the Erdut Agreement, which include protection of minorities, human rights, restoring trust and return of refugees in the whole of Croatia", said Kinkel. (Hina) jn mrb 151454 MET jan 98