ZAGREB/PARIS, June 24 (Hina) - Croatia's Statehood Day was marked on Tuesday at the French Senate, which is the first time the Senate celebrated a national holiday of a foreign country.
ZAGREB/PARIS, June 24 (Hina) - Croatia's Statehood Day was marked
on Tuesday at the French Senate, which is the first time the Senate
celebrated a national holiday of a foreign country. #L#
The event was held under the auspices of Senate President Christian
Poncelet, the second person in the state hierarchy, after the
president. One of the hosts was the head of the Senate's group of
French-Croatian friendship, Senator Alain Gerard, officials at the
Croatian Embassy in Paris said.
Senator Gerard said in a speech today's event was a precedent.
"In this I see a sign of great friendship. I also see a symbol:
France is the first country to receive Croatia after its return
among European peoples... Today we receive you in the Senate,
tomorrow, we will welcome you in the extended Europe, where you have
always belonged," Gerard said.
The reception, whose hosts were also Croatia's Ambassador Bozidar
Gagro and the Ambassador to UNESCO, Neda Ritz, was attended by
representatives of French state institutions, prominent cultural
workers and artists, representatives of the Croat community,
senators and members of the diplomatic corps.
(hina) rml