GOVERNMENT BUILDS PENSIONERS' HOMES IN WAR-AFFECTED AREAS

( Editorial: --> 7540 ) UDBINA, July 14 (Hina) - Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa on Tuesday opened a new pensioners home in Udbina in Croatia's central Lika region which was liberated from Serb occupation in summer 1995. The Government spent about US$1.56 million for the construction of the home, with the initial US$100,000 provided by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The home will accommodate 70 people in one-bed and two-bed rooms. One of the tragic consequences of the aggression on Croatia is that a considerable number of elderly people cannot live without the support of a such an institution, Matesa said. Part of the Labour and Social Welfare Ministry's strategy is to intensify the construction of accommodation facilities for the elderly and weak in the war-affected areas, so that they can return as well, the Prime Minister said. The first pensioners will arrive in Udbina on Wednesday. The home will employ 26 workers. Another pensioners' home will be opened in Zemunik near Zadar (central Adriatic) next Tuesday, Matesa announced. (hina) jn rml /mbr 141541 MET jul 98