SEMINAR ON DECENTRALISATION, LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT OPENS NEAR OSIJEK

BIZOVAC, June 20 (Hina) - The Ministry of European Integration has in cooperation with the French Foreign Ministry organised a two-day seminar on decentralisation and local self-government in Bizovacke toplice near the eastern town of Osijek. Introductory speeches were delivered by European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic and French Ambassador Albert Turot. The Croatian Government programme includes the strengthening of local self-government and regionalisation, Jakovcic said. He also warned that regionalisation should be carried out in an expert, serious and argumented manner. "We do advocate regionalisation, but we do not support it being conducted overnight," he said. The minister stressed the first stage of reform of local government and self-government could be discussed by parliament as early as this autumn, so that more funds from next year's budget could be set aside for towns and counties. France has a long tradition of local government and self-government and we believe its experience will be of great help, he added. Ambassador Turot said it took some countries four years to conduct changes which happened in Croatia recently. France wants to help with its experience in the establishment of European stability, said Turot, adding Croatia was on the right path to Europe. (hina) rml