ATHENS: RACAN SIGNS OLYMPIC TRUCE CHARTER

ATHENS, Feb 21 (Hina) - After a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Papandreou in Athens on Friday, Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan signed the Charter on the Olympic Truce. #L# "I am glad to be able to support the idea of the Olympic truce," Racan said. The tradition of the Olympic truce dates back to Ancient Greece, when all conflicts were discontinued during the Olympic games. The next Olympics will be held in Athens next year. "Today is a very special day for Croatia and for the European Union, today you submitted an application for membership," Papandreou said. The Greek official welcomed Croatia's application, adding that Athens would continue to support Croatia's European bids. (hina) rml sb