Washington, D.C. May 21, 1999
 

For Immediate Release
 

 Dr. Jure Radic, Croatian Deputy Prime Minister met yesterday with Mrs. Julia Taft, Assistant Secretary of State for Refugees, Population and Migration to discuss the grave humanitarian tragedy in Southeast Europe and to inform the U.S. Administration of Croatia’s efforts in this regard.

 Dr. Radic stressed that, pursuant to the Program for the Return of Refugees and Displaced Persons by the Croatian Government, 58,340 persons have been granted documents to re-enter the Republic of Croatia from the FRY or Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Deputy Prime Minister Radic showed a list of 58,340 persons who returned to Croatia.  The total number of submitted requests for return, either through Croatian Embassies, Consulates or international organizations is approximately 73,000.  The Croatian Government expects these requests to be processed by the end of this year.

 During the discussion with U.S. officials, agreement was reached that economic development is the fundamental prerequisite for a safe and stable return of refugees.  In this regard, Deputy Prime Minister Radic and Assistant Secretary Taft agreed that new, innovative approches should be undertaken to better include local economies in the process of the return of refugees and reconstruction.

 Assistant Secretary Taft thanked Dr. Radic for all the efforts that Croatia has been undertaking, both politically and on a humanitarian basis, to help solve the Kosovo crisis.  Dr. Radic pledged Croatia’s continued support for NATO action and willingness to assist in the humanitarian effort in any way it can, having in mind that it still cares for more that 120,000 refugees and displaced persons.  The Croatian Government and people have first-hand witnessed the plight and suffering as refugees and displaced people and sympathize with all unfortunate families that were forced out of their homes.  Therefore, Croatia is doing its utmost to alleviate the suffering of civilians and hopes for a speedy return of refugees and displaces persons to their homes.

 Deputy Prime Minister Radic also met with Senator John Warner, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, as well as with Congressman Frank Wolf.  Dr. Radic expressed full support for NATO actions and pointed out the fulfillment of NATO conditions as the main prerequisite for peace in Southeast Europe
 

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(Contact: Luka Aleric)