CROATIA'S IMAGE SHOULD BE CREATED ON POSITIVE STEREOTYPES - EXPERTS

ZAGREB, Nov 6 (Hina) - Croatia should build its image in the world on a model of positive stereotypes, said members of President Stjepan Mesic's working group in charge of the stimulation of long-term and comprehensive promotion of Croatia in the European Union. "Modern promotion is based on the model of positive stereotypes," said the group's head Drazen Vukov-Colic on Monday on the occasion of the presentation of an initiative for the creation of Croatia's new image and identity. Vukov-Colic cited Ireland as a good example which promoted itself with beer and people singing happily. This group, which gathers independent experts in diplomacy, design, corporate identity, media and non-governmental organisations, began its unofficial discussions this May in order to prepare a broad concept of topics and proposals for systematic decisions in new diplomacy and promotion, national culture and consistent image and identity. Contrary to other countries-applicants for the entry to the EU, Croatia has so far had no national programme for its promotion world-wide. For instance, Poland, which has systematically been working on this matter, has to date spent 36 million dollars for this purpose. Members of the group said on Monday they were open for all well- meant suggestions and ideas. The objective of their initiative is not give the ready-made recipe but to stimulate all who can help, to think about this issue. The group has published papers which contain works of its members and collaborators. (hina) ms