EU & GERMAN ASSOCIATION PARTAKE IN RECONSTRUCTION OF ERNESTINOVO

( Editorial: --> 6905 ) ZAGREB, Oct 8 (Hina) - The European Union (EU) wishes to contribute to the refugee return process, reintegration and reconciliation in Croatia, and to use financial programmes for reconstruction, said a statement issued on Thursday by the Zagreb-based European Commission (EC) Office and its partner in one of the said programmes, the Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB) Association from Germany. Called "Reconstruction for Return", the EU programmes are being implemented to expedite the many-sided return of refugees and displaced persons, the reintegration and reconciliation in Croatia, EC special envoy Per Vinther said with regard to the financing of the "Ernestinovo Project". The reconstruction of houses and infrastructure in this eastern Croatian municipality will cost DEM1.2 million. A memorandum on understanding will be signed on October 13 by representatives of the EC Office, the ASB, and the municipal head. A non-government organisation, ASB is the EC's partner in charge of implementing EU projects aimed at reconstruction. The physical works will be carried out by Croatian companies chosen in a bid for tenders. An additional DEM240,000 has been envisaged for works on the power supply system in the municipality, while DEM100,000 will be invested in the water supply system of the village of Laslovo, said the Zagreb-based EC Office. The EU in 1991 allocated some DEM600 million for humanitarian aid in Croatia, and more than DEM60 million for reconstruction in 1996. The organisation is also planning to finance the reconstruction of six bridges between Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Office said. (hina) ha 081940 MET oct 98