ZAGREB HOSTS INT. SEMINAR ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF MINORITIES' RIGHTS

ZAGREB, Dec 4 (Hina) - A two-day international seminar on the legal aspects of national minorities' rights has begun at Zagreb's Intercontinental hotel on Monday. The seminar, which has gathered Foreign Ministry representatives from 15 European countries, is one of several projects being held as part of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. It has been organised by the Croatian government's Office for National Minorities. The seminar was opened by Croatia's Assistant Foreign Minister Vladimir Matek. Croatia is investing efforts to enhance communication and the legal system with regard to minorities, Deputy Prime Minister Zeljka Antunovic said in her opening address. Not one country, Croatia included, can say it is absolutely satisfied in the field of human and minorities' rights, she added, and reminded the consequences of last decade's Serb aggression were very grave. "We want Croatia to be a country of human rights and minorities' rights, and we want to live in an environment of countries which will equally elevate these rights to the highest standards," said Antunovic. The participation of minorities in decision-making is a significant component of a peaceful and democratic society, said Max van der Stoel, high commissioner on national minorities of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The important thing is to protect human and minorities' rights and make it possible for minorities to preserve their identity, he said in his opening address. Participating in the seminar are also representatives of numerous non-governmental organisations and groups for minorities' rights, as well as OSCE and Council of Europe experts. (hina) ha