OSCE OPENS OFFICE IN SPLIT ( Editorial: --> 2717 )

( Editorial: --> 2717 ) SPLIT, 21 Nov (Hina) - The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) opened its regional office in Split on Friday. The office was opened by the head of the OSCE Mission in Croatia, Ambassador Tim Guldimann, in the presence of Split Mayor Ivan Skaric, Deputy Prefect Spiro Erceg and numerous other guests. One of the OSCE's tasks is to monitor the implementation of all international agreements Croatia had signed and to inform those in charge about it, Guldimann said, adding the OSCE's main task is to provide assistance in the two-way return of displaced persons and refugees. Asked why OSCE opened its office in Split, which was not in the zone of war operations, Guldimann said the reason for this was that the process of Croatia's integration into Europe had to be covered on the whole of Croatia's territory. Another reason was assistance in the process of two-way return of all citizens, Guldimann said. There was also an economic aspect of the OSCE's presence in that part of Croatia, he added. The OSCE also has offices in Vukovar, Knin, Daruvar and Sisak. (hina) rm 211633 MET nov 97