CRO RECONSTRUCTION MINISTER ATTENDS MEETING IN VUKOVAR

( Editorial: --> 8573 ) VUKOVAR, 31 Jan (Hina) - Some 5,000 houses with I to III damage degrees will be reconstructed in the Danube River region by the end of May, Croatian Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic said Saturday. The reconstruction of these houses is part of an intensified reconstruction course, said Radic at a press conference following a meeting with representatives of construction companies and Osijek and Vukovar county officials in charge of reconstruction. The meeting was held behind closed doors in Vukovar. Preparations for the acceleration of reconstruction of houses with IV and V damage degrees are under way, Radic said. The reconstruction of major buildings in Vukovar will start in a month and will be financed by the Croatian counties. The drawing up of projects is under way, Radic added. Out of the 12 million kuna, necessary for the reconstruction of the region, Croatia has some 1.4 million, Radic said, adding he hoped the international community would provide financial assistance. A donors' conference will take place in Vukovar at the end of April, Radic announced. (hina) rm 311552 MET jan 98