ZAGREB MARKS ITS DAY

ZAGREB, May 31 (Hina) - Croatia's capital of Zagreb marked its day on Saturday with a special session of the City Assembly and the City Government. To mark the occasion, prominent individuals and institutions were presented with the Zagreb City Awards. #L# Croatia's wish to join the European Union as soon as possible is a challenge and a duty for Zagreb, said mayor Vlasta Pavic. She spoke about numerous projects intended to make Zagreb a modern metropolis. A letter from President Stjepan Mesic was read at the session. He said Zagreb had to play a leading part in the transformation of Croatia following a period of isolation on the international scene and in the process of accelerated drawing closer to the EU and NATO. (hina) ha sb