DUBROVNIK SUMMER GAMES BEGIN

DUBROVNIK, July 11 (Hina) - The 52nd Dubrovnik Summer Games began with a formal ceremony in a front of St. Vlaho Church on Tuesday evening. This is the most respected Croatian music and drama festival which will last until August 28 in this southern Adriatic town. Opening the festival, Dubrovnik mayor Vido Bogdanovic said the town should give way to actors, artists and musicians. He added 'we are tired of politics'. The artists, and all who will participate in the festival, will give Dubrovnik its spirit back. Famous actors from Zagreb and Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik symphonic orchestra, the Libertas choir and the Lindo ensemble performed at the gala opening. As each year, the opening ended with the raising of the Libertas flag onto Orlando pole, with glorious Ivan Gundulic verses: The anthem to freedom - "O lijepa, o draga, o slatko slobodo..." (Oh beautiful, oh dear, oh sweet freedom ...) Among numerous guests, present were Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Culture Minister Antun Vujic, Dubrovnik County prefect Ivan Sprlje, artists and numerous ambassadors to Croatia. The opening ceremony ended with magnificent fireworks. (hina) np it