DAYS OF MATRIX CROATICA START IN MOSTAR

Mostar, April 22 (Hina) - The Days of Matrix Croatica Mostar 2003, a cultural event which this year is held under the auspices of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Croatian Culture Ministry, opened in Mostar on Monday evening. #L# The most important cultural event in the country, to last until May 31, was opened by the Croat member of the state presidency, Dragan Covic, who said that Matrix Croatica was the linchpin of the cultural identity of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatian Culture Minister Antun Vujic, who is on a three-day visit to Bosnia, said the event promoted "the new Croatian identity" based on the culture of Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Events like the Days of Matrix Croatica Mostar enrich that identity and enable people for a modern, multicultural life, he said. Vujic will today meet cultural workers from Herzegovina and visit the construction site of the city's mediaeval Old Bridge, which was destroyed in the war. On Wednesday Vujic is to hold talks in Sarajevo with the country's minister for civil affairs, Safet Halilovic. (hina) rml