OSCE Chairman-in-Office welcomes a reinforced role for the OSCE in Croatia

VIENNA, 27 June 1997 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Danish Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Petersen, has issued the following statement:

On 26 June the OSCE Permanent Council decided to reinforce and extend the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Croatia until 31 December 1998.

Qualitatively, the mandate was strengthened by adding tasks to assist and monitor the implementation of Croatian legislation, agreements and commitments. These concern, above all, the two-way return of all refugees and displaced persons and the protection of their rights, and the protection of national minorities.

Quantitatively, the Mission mandate has been reinforced by the increase of its personnel ceiling from the present figure of 14 to a maximum of 250 expatriates, to be deployed by decision of the Head of Mission.

The former mandate was due to expire on 30 June. From this mandate the Mission retains the tasks to provide assistance and expertise to the Croatian authorities, as well as to individuals and organisations regarding the protection of human rights and of the rights of national minorities. The Mission shall also continue to assist and advise on the full implementation of legislation and monitor the proper functioning and developments of democratic institutions, processes and mechanisms.

The Chairman-in-Office is gratified by this decision and looks forward to its implementation, in close co-operation with all parties and international organizations concerned.