USAID DIRECTOR VISITS CROATIAN DANUBE RIVER REGION

( Editorial: --> 8096 ) DARDA, 29 Jan (Hina)- Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Brian Atwood, who arrived in Croatia yesterday, visited the Croatian Danube River region on Thursday. After his meeting in Darda with officials from this Baranja Municipality and the town of Beli Manastir, Atwood told journalists that USAID will provide monetary assistance for municipalities that put together plans for the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes. He reiterated that USAID will assist the reconstruction of war- ravaged regions in Croatia with US$13.5 million. Atwood stressed that USAID expects that the money will be used not just for the return of Croatian displaced persons but for the return of all displaced persons to their homes. Atwood said how he expects that the European Union and others will help with even more means in resolving these problems. (hina) mrb jn 291652 MET jan 98