PARTY HELD DURING "CROATIA IN CHICAGO" EVENT

CHICAGO, April 8 (Hina) - On Wednesday evening, about 1,800 American Croats and their numerous guests marked the "Croatia in Chicago" event and the opening of long-awaited Croatia's consulate general in Chicago, by a ceremonial dinner at the "Hayat" hotel in that huge American city. Present at the dinner were members of Croatia's state and economic delegation many U.S. politicians and public figures. Some of them such as Dennis Kucinich remembered, with pride, having Croatian origins. Representatives of the city of Chicago and the federal state of Illinois stressed contribution of the Croatian community and the wish to promote relations between the United States and Croatia in all areas. A U.S. special envoy for the implementation of the Dayton accords, Ambassador Robert Gelbard was greeted at the party by prolong applause. He said the American-Croatian ties were being marked by partnership in all key issues. The United States will support Croatia's bid to become a full member of all European and transatlantic institutions, Gelbard promised but warned that the speed of Croatia's integration depended primarily on that country. The US diplomat also spoke about the current crisis in Kosovo and the NATO operations. He said he highly appreciated Croatia's stand and support. He added that possible attempts of Serbia to expand the conflict outside its borders and threaten neighbouring countries, including Croatia, should not be excluded. The U.S Secretary of State said clearly that such an attempt would mean that the Belgrade authorities would be involved in a broader conflict with the NATO and that Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) was falling in bigger international isolation, Gelbard said. Organisers of the last night's ceremony were many societies of American Croats such as the Chicago-based Croatian cultural centre. The party drew also representatives of leading American Croat organisations like Croatian Fraternity Union. (hina) jn ms