LOWER HOUSE DISCUSSES MINE CLEARING

( Editorial: --> 0629 ) ZAGREB, March 18 (Hina) - The clearing of mines is a precondition for the return of displaced persons and all should be done to accelerate that task, the House of Representatives announced on Wednesday during a discussion about amendments to the Law on De- Mining. Members of the Lower House believe that the removal of mines should be one of the topics at the donors' conference announced for May, and that international aid should be requested for that work. The MPs also believe that more money should be acquired for de- mining (a total of $US14 million has been planned for this year). They warned about the lack of a complete record of the lay out of mines. This afternoon, the House of Representatives concluded the discussion on the bill on confirming an agreement between the governments of Croatia and Hungary on cooperation in the protection from environmental and civilisation catastrophes. (hina) jn mrb/rm 181913 MET mar 98