ZAGREB BEGINS EUROPE DAY CELEBRATIONS

ZAGREB, May 9 (Hina) - Zagreb began marking Europe Day, May 9, early on Tuesday with information stands set on Cvjetni Trg, a downtown square, as part of "Five to Twelve", a project conceived and prepared by Croatia's European Integration Ministry. The information stands provide booklets and flyers on the European Union (EU), Europe Day, and Croatia's relations with the EU, while the programme, which closes at two p.m., features a quiz show in which passers-by may demonstrate their knowledge of the EU, work presentations by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) dealing with European integration, and Europe House Zagreb-organised giving of Europe at School awards. Croatia's European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic and the head of the European Commission's delegation in Zagreb, Per Vinther, will make addresses at 11.55 hours. Croatian cartoonist Srecko Puntaric will open an exhibition of his works on the subject "Croatia and Europe" in a nearby public library. Minister Jakovcic will be available on-line on www.monitor.hr between two and three p.m. At 5.30 p.m. he is to open an exhibition of books, publications and documents on the EU in the National University Library. The marking of Europe Day closes tonight with a European Party at Tvornica, with performances by Croatian music artists Belfast Food, Daleka Obala, and Stampedo. Besides the European Integration Ministry, the EC delegation in Zagreb, and NGOs dealing with European integration also participated in organising the event. (hina) ha mm