REAL ESTATE AGENCY PURCHASES OVER 2000 BUILDINGS

( Editorial: --> 6061 ) VUKOVAR, Aug 26 (Hina) - The Agency for Facilitating Real Estate Transactions (APN) has purchased 2,285 real estates to date throughout Croatia. In the Danube river region in eastern Croatia 687 real estates were purchased, in the Banovina region 756, while 842 real estates were purchased elsewhere in Croatia, the newly appointed head of the APN Davor Rajcic told reporters in Vukovar on Wednesday following talks with Mayor Vladimir Stengl. Of the 2,285 real estates purchased, 614 were either demolished or heavily damaged buildings, while 1,671 buildings were adequate for accommodating tenants. Since beginning functioning, the APN has spent about US$40 million from the state budget for the purchases, said Rajcic. Vukovar Mayor Stengl pointed out to his satisfaction with the cooperation with the APN, saying it benefited all residents of the eastern Croatian town. "The Agency will continue following the policy of the Croatian government, as well as cooperating with local government, since we have common interests", Rajcic said. He added the APN would work to benefit all Croatian citizens. APN's future work will depend on the influx and amount of new budget means, he concluded. (hina) ha 261500 MET aug 98