MANY OFFICIALS JOIN ZAGREB RESIDENTS IN PARK LABOUR DAY FESTIVITY

ZAGREB, May 1 (Hina) - Several dozen Zagreb residents gathered in Maksimir Park on Saturday to celebrate Labour Day, among them numerous many political and public figures. According to Foreign Minister Mate Granic, the visit was unofficial. "We have joined in celebrating Labour Day, which has been a tradition in Zagreb for 109 years now," he told reporters. Defence Minister Pavao Miljavac said he came to celebrate Labour Day together with other residents of the capital and to hear first- hand about the problems the citizens face. "We all like to be applauded, but we should also have courage to listen to hoots and protests," said Drago Krpina, secretary- general of the ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union, in comment to the fact that the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Croatia decided to mark this May 1 with a protest against the difficult social and economic situation in the country. Also strolling among the visitors were parliament vice presidents Vladimir Seks and Jadranka Kosor, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Joso Skara, the Croatian President's advisor for political issues Vesna Skare Ozbolt, Liberal Party president Vlado Gotovac, and others. (hina) ha