ZAGREB, April 29 (Hina) - The Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (HAZU) marked its day at a special session in Zagreb on Monday.
ZAGREB, April 29 (Hina) - The Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences
(HAZU) marked its day at a special session in Zagreb on Monday. #L#
On April 29, 1861, upon the recommendation of bishop Josip Juraj
Strossmayer, the Croatian Sabor adopted a decision to found the
Yugoslav Academy of Arts and Sciences, HAZU president Ivo Padovan
reminded in his welcome speech.
For 141 years the Academy's intellectual potential has been at the
service of the Croatian nation, academician Padovan added.
Speaking about the situation in the country, Padovan stressed that
the expectation of a free, tolerant, successful and civilised
Croatia was not entirely realised with the establishment of the
country's independence.
"Privatisation as well as other mistakes in the development
strategy have caused a significant degree of devastation in the
economy, poverty, and excessive unemployment. Endeavours to
resolve the social and economic crisis have not received the
support of all layers of society, which is usually caused by narrow
party interests," Padovan said.
In conclusion he called upon those responsible to make an attempt to
surpass mutual mistrust in an effort to join forces and resolve
crucial issues that concern all Croatian citizens.
In addition to numerous members and HAZU staff, the ceremony was
also attended by President Stjepan Mesic, Sabor President Zlatko
Tomcic, Deputy Prime Minister Drazen Budisa and Djakovo-Srijem
bishop Marin Srakic.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of awards for the highest
scientific and artistic achievements in 2001.
(hina) sp sb