PREFECT, MAYOR, INTERIOR MINISTRY REACT ON OPENING NIGHT INCIDENT

PULA, June 23 (Hina) - Istria County prefect Ivan Jakovcic said on Saturday he was angry about last evening's incident at Pula's amphitheatre during the opening of the 48th annual film festival, when President Stipe Mesic left the arena due to strict security measures used in letting in the audience. "I was with President Mesic when he made the decision (to leave) and I immediately agreed. I think everything that happened at the arena is not in keeping with President Mesic's style. In the time of a liberal government, we cannot live in a police state. Last night the city was almost blocked, there was a police patrol on virtually every corner," the prefect told Hina. He said he would request the interior minister to investigate the case and demand that those who so damaged Mesic, Istria County and Pula be held to account. Pula mayor Luciano Delbianco regretted the incident. "President Mesic was upset by the large-scale and strict control at the arena's entrance and, as he himself said, he did not want to be a hindrance to the people getting inside," he said. The Interior Ministry said in a statement today its Security Office had taken only the usual measures to ensure the safety of the President. The ministry refuted claims that Pula was blocked last night, and said it had told the festival's organisers in advance that the audience should be let in the arena earlier. According to the statement, 24 policemen were engaged in the arena during the festival's opening night, of whom only ten were in uniform. (hina) ha