REPS OF OSCE & EUROPEAN COMMISSION DISCUSS CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 0944 ) ZAGREB, Feb 11 (Hina) - The head of the mission in Croatia of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Tim Guldimann, on Tuesday discussed the situation in Croatia with European commissioner Hans van der Broek. According to a statement by the European Commission press service, Van den Broek welcomed OSCE's presence in Croatia, and especially the organisation's role in monitoring and restoration of trust. Van der Broek pointed out Europe's policy towards Croatia was conducted by "regional approach". This means, the statement said, that the European Union conditions lifting a PHARE programme suspension for Croatia and further negotiations on contractual relations with Croatia with the continuation of peaceful reintegration of the Danube river region in the east, the two-way return of displaced persons and refugees, compliance with the Dayton peace agreement and democratic principles, as well as the establishment of civil society. Van der Broek and Guldimann, who held talks in Brussels, also discussed humanitarian programmes currently implemented in Croatia. The European Commission donated Croatia humanitarian aid worth 188 million ECU, as well as means for the return of refugees. (hina) ha jn 111124 MET feb 98