CROATIAN VICE-PREMIER ADDRESSES DURBAN CONFERENCE ON RACISM

ZAGREB/DURBAN, Sept 1 (Hina) - Racism, slavery and slave trade are the darkest chapters of civilisation, Croatian Vice-Premier Zeljka Antunovic said in her address to Saturday's plenary session of a U.N. conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, which is being held in Durban, South Africa. This conference should encourage all countries to eradicate diseases called racism and racial discrimination, Antunovic said, expressing sympathy with the victims of racism, especially in Africa. Antunovic also spoke about Croatia's efforts in the field of human rights protection and announced the launching of a national programme for the promotion and protection of human rights. An integral part of the programme will be a committee for the prevention of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance, she said. At the end of her address, Antunovic reminded the participants of the conference about a European conference on human rights and multiculturalism, to be held in Dubrovnik on October 8-10 this year. The conference is organised by the Croatian government, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the European Commission. (hina) rml