CRO VICE PREMIER RECEIVES NEW CHIEF OF IOM MISSION ( Editorial: --> 9049 )

( Editorial: --> 9049 ) ZAGREB, Nov 7 (Hina) - Croatian vice premier Ljerka Mintas-Hodak on Friday received the new chief of the International Organization for Migrations mission in Zagreb, Jacques Schutjes, the Croatian government's Communications Office said in a statement. The IOM is an inter-governmental organization based in Geneva whose task is to follow population migrations, assist migrants in settling in new environments, and repatriation of refugees. Mintas-Hodak and Schutjes talked about a new programme the IOM wants to implement in Croatia's most war-damaged areas. The programme is aimed at ensuring some preconditions for the return of displaced persons and a better living in those areas. Even though the IOM mainly invests in the reconstruction and building of the infrastructure, it is considering side projects which would include transport of refugees, medical assistance, special programmes for women and children, all of which could act as a psychological return stimulant. (hina) ha jn 071540 MET nov 97