GOVT REPS AND COUNTY PREFECTS DISCUSS RETURN PROGRAMME

( Editorial: --> 7392 ) ZAGREB, July 13 (Hina) - Government representatives and the prefects of war-affected Croatian counties on Monday held talks on the return of refugees and displaced people and preparations for the conference on reconstruction and development of Croatia. Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic and European Integration Minister Ljerka Mintas-Hodak informed the prefects about the measures which need to be taken on the level of state administration and local self-government so that the return programme could be implemented. It was agreed that housing commissions be established as soon as possible on the level of every town and municipality. The prefects supported the return programme, accepting their share of responsibility for its consistent implementation. The two sides also considered the basic principles of a plan on the reconstruction of homes, which is soon to be discussed by the Croatian Government. The plan envisages accommodation of 78,800 families in the next five years. During the preparations for the conference on reconstruction and development, special stress will be put on local projects. Representatives of the Reconstruction Ministry will visit every municipality in the next several days so that these projects could be definitely determined. Expressing satisfaction with the reconstruction process to date, the prefects pointed to the acute problem of mine-removal, as well as to the additional efforts on all levels aimed at reconstruction and economic revival. (hina) jn rml /mbr 131719 MET jul 98