HAZU PRESENTS "DECLARATION ON KNOWLEDGE"

ZAGREB, Dec 23 (Hina) - The Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU) on Monday presented a Declaration on Knowledge, whose purpose is to warn about the value of knowledge in the Croatian society and its application in development. #L# Croatia has never been in such a dramatic situation when it comes to following modern trends, said academician Dusan Bilandzic, chairman of a committee which drew up the document. Bilandzic reminded that none of the ruling structures in Croatia had managed to stop the stagnation of development, which he said could be achieved only with knowledge as the basic production force in society and the main precondition of success. Under the Declaration, Croatia should reach, as soon as possible, the amount of funds the European Union countries set aside for science and education, which is at least eight percent of GDP. The HAZU is aware of the state of domestic economy, but it believes that after decades of turmoil it is time the situation normalised, Bilandzic said, expressing hope that the declaration would not remain a dead letter and would prompt discussions between scientific and state institutions. Vice-Premier Ante Simonic said the government would accept the declaration. Simonic believes the main priority in the field of science and technology is the adoption of legislation facilitating the systematic development of science and technology. Science and Technology Minister Gvozden Flego welcomed the document, adding that it addressed the competent ministry and supported its recently initiated activities. The minister said that the main reforms would be oriented to new people, including the granting of 300 scholarships and the opening of 300 new jobs. He believes this could prompt the return of at least some of around 100,000 Croatian scientists working abroad. The HAZU should soon prepare a document called "Croatia Founded on Knowledge" as an annex to the Declaration. (hina) rml