OSCE notes Croatian progress

The OSCE today issued a 27-page report on Croatia. OSCE Ambassador to Croatia Jorge Fuentes talked of domestic institutions, media and civil society progressing 'positively'.

"It is important that this positive momentum be seen in other areas, such as the provision of housing for the largest remaining category of refugees - former holders of occupancy or tenancy rights, who lived in socially-owned flats," said Fuentes presenting the report to the OSCE Permanent Council.

Fuentes urged measures to be taken by Croatia to meet obligations in the Constitutional Law on National Minorities, such as minority representation in administrative and judicial bodies. He also warned Zagreb not to delay a national plan to combat discrimination.

The OSCE sees 'measurable progress' in refugee return, still a major challenge for the Croatian government ten years after the end of its conflict. Croatian officials estimate that the process of reconstruction and repossession of war-damaged properties could be completed within the next two years.

Next month, the OSCE, along with the Government, UNHCR, European Commission Delegation and other partners, will launch a Public Awareness Campaign on Refugee Return to help Croatian Serb refugees wishing to return.

As to Croatian media, Fuentes noted some 'worrying events' involving the public broadcaster recently as well as to the fact that journalists continued to receive prison sentences in libel cases. He cautioned Croatia not to take a step backwards in media freedom.