ZAGREB: RECEPTION ON OCCASION OF ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS

ZAGREB, Jan 4 (Hina) - The Serb National Council (SNV) on Friday organised a reception for representatives of Croatia's social, political and cultural life on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7. "After the war suffering, it is a challenge and an obligation to try to accomplish in this millennium what we failed to accomplish in the past millennium, and let our differences inspire us for what makes people gather on the day of Christ's birth," SNV president Milorad Pupovac said at the Serb cultural society "Prosvjeta". The Serb community wants to work together with all Croatian citizens towards progress, a stable and just state, and good relations in South-East Europe. "This year should be a year of reconstruction and normal living," Pupovac said. Speaking on behalf of the Croatian government, First Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic said the Croatian authorities and the Serb community had done much in the past two years, but still not enough. "The reconstruction of houses is necessary, but the re- establishment of relations between the Croat and Serb communities is necessary, too," Granic added. Granic said local communities should not wait for census results or a possible change of the Constitutional Law on Minorities but start integrating Serb citizens in city and municipal councils, thus demonstrating their open-mindedness. He also said Serbs should exercise their rights in areas where they make the majority population in the way which would benefit the common welfare. Zagreb archpriest Milenko Popovic wished all Croatian citizens a happy and blessed 2002. An advisor to the Croatian President, Ivica Mastruko, Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, including Yugoslav Ambassador Milan Simurdic and US Ambassador Lawrence Rossin, wished all Orthodox believers a merry Christmas. (hina) np sb