POREC: CROATIAN DIASPORA FIRST ASSEMBLY STARTS

POREC, May 21 (Hina) - The First Assembly of the Croatian Diaspora began in Porec Tuesday under the organisation of the International Club of Croatian Emigrants. The conference is being attended by about 30 renowned Croatian emigrants and returnees. #L# The assembly was opened by the club's chairman, Niko Soljak, who said that Croatians abroad were not satisfied with the former or current government in Croatia. "Croatia is too small of a country to afford forsaking its diaspora, who are willing to invest funds into their homeland," Soljak said speaking about the importance of emigrants for Croatia. According to many participants who discussed the role of the diaspora, Croatian emigrants were "exploited during the Homeland War, and then were almost forgotten". They expressed dissatisfaction with the work of Croatian consulates and availability of information about events in the homeland. The first day of the three-day assembly focused on Croatia's promotion, the economies of transitional countries, issues of educating the youth, and a stronger and better connection between Croatians at home and living abroad. (hina) lml sb