DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER KOSTOVIC ON REFUGEE CRISIS

COPENHAEN, March 10 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Prime Minister, Ivica Kostovic, today discussed the problem of refugees and displaced persons in Croatia with the Vice-President of the International Red Cross, Eric Roethlisberger. Kostovic spoke of Croatia's difficulties in providing for 196,870 displaced persons, and 183,038 refugees. He stressed that only effective international cooperation could prevent the unfavourable consequences of the refugee crisis on the social stability and development in Croatia and the region. Kostovic held a press conference at the social summit building this afternoon. The conference focused on the prospects for resolving the crisis in the wake of Croatia's decision to end the UNPROFOR mandate. (hina) mm as 101748 MET mar 95