ZAGREB, Oct 16 (Hina) - The Open Society Institute Croatia will change its priorities and shift its focus from transition to globalisation issues, the head of the Open Society Institute, Georg Soros, said at a news conference in
Zagreb on Wednesday.
ZAGREB, Oct 16 (Hina) - The Open Society Institute Croatia will
change its priorities and shift its focus from transition to
globalisation issues, the head of the Open Society Institute, Georg
Soros, said at a news conference in Zagreb on Wednesday. #L#
The Institute will deal with projects which can make a difference,
such as education and health, Soros said, announcing that the
institute would continue financing the education of Romany
children and help the Public Health School in Croatia.
The Open Society Institute has been active in Croatia for more than
10 years, during which it has invested more than 40 million US
dollars in various projects, Soros said, announcing significant
cuts in the funds.
He expressed satisfaction with the work of the institute's office
in Croatia, adding that Croatia had made significant progress with
regard to democracy.
The influence of democratic parties in Croatia has been growing, he
said, adding that the regime of former Croatian President Franjo
Tudjman was not democratic.
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) is today becoming a democratic
party, which will contribute to democracy in the country, Soros
said.
Commenting on the situation in the region, Soros said that the
recent victory of what he called nationalist parties in Bosnia-
Herzegovina was a setback and expressed hope that it was only
temporary. The region is still burdened by numerous problems,
including the status of Montenegro, he said, adding that the
European Union, as the main positive factor in the region, had not
been active enough.
Soros stated that the focus of interest of the Institute would shift
from Europe and Asia to the United States.
Soros is the founder of a network of philanthropist institutions
operating mostly in Central and East Europe, Africa, Asia, South
America and the United States. The institutions are dedicated to
building and maintaining the infrastructure and institutions of
open society.
During a two-day visit to Croatia, Soros met President Stjepan
Mesic, Prime Minister Ivica Racan and representatives of non-
government associations.
(hina) rml