PRESIDENT MESIC VISITS ZAGREB UNIVERSITY

ZAGREB, May 4 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Thursday visited Zagreb University, where he met Chancellor Branko Jeren, with whom he discussed the adjustment of Croatian universities and scientific standards to the European ones and their speedy integration into European processes and programmes. "The main topic of the talks was the integration of Croatian universities into Europe," said Chancellor Jeren, adding Zagreb University was honoured very much by President Mesic's visit. In the past seven years nobody visited the University - neither presidents, premiers nor mayors, he added. "Our science has always been at the European level and we never lagged behind," President Mesic said. "At present, we are shut out in a way, which is unfortunate for our experts because our diplomas are not recognised in Europe," Mesic said, adding Croatia "must have European standards because in the united Europe borders will not stop our experts." Speaking about the autonomy of the University, Jeren said the University was not satisfied with it. "I have to say that we are not satisfied with our university's autonomy. Our efforts are supported by European associations and that gives us hope that the situation will improve significantly," Jeren said. (hina) mm rml