CROATIA PRAISED AT MEETING OF TASK FORCE ON HOLOCAUST

WASHINGTON, Dec 3 (Hina) - The Task Force for International Cooperation in Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research, which is meeting in Washington on December 1-3, on Tuesday praised Croatia for the progress it had made in Holocaust education, remembrance and research. #L# The meeting is being attended by a Croatian delegation, including Jasenovac Memorial Park Director Natasa Jovicic, Assistant Culture Minister Branka Sulc and Ambassador to the United States Ivan Grdesic. After the meeting on Tuesday, Jovicic told Hina that Croatia "was praised for the progress it has made in education, remembrance and research of the Holocaust." Croatia became an associate member of the Task Force in Strasbourg in October 2002 when it formally applied for full membership. As one of the requirements for membership, Croatia introduced Holocaust Remembrance Day in schools this year. The day will be observed for the first time on January 27 next year to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp. Croatia also has to organise an international seminar on education on the Holocaust and adjust its history textbooks to European standards. The Task Force consists of government and non-government organisations from 15 member countries as well as observer countries and associate members. Its aim is to secure support from political and social institutions for international education, remembrance and research of the Holocaust. (hina) vm sb