VINTHER: EU SUPPORTS IDEAS OF "FORUM 21"

( Editorial: --> 4675 ) ZAGREB, 15 Jan (Hina) - The European Union supports the ideas of "Forum 21" on democratisation of the electronic media as a key issue in the democratisation of Croatia, Per Vinther, special envoy of the European Commission to Croatia, said on Wednesday. According to a statement from Vinther's office released Thursday, on 14 January Vinther received members of the electronic media association "Forum 21", in order to get better acquainted with the current situation in Croatia's electronic media and the future strategy of "Forum 21". Dissatisfied with the status of journalists and the degree of objectivity of the state television, a group of journalists formed the association "Forum 21", hoping to help in ending the grip of the governing Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party on Croatian television, transform Croatian Radio Television into a public medium and terminate its monopoly, said "Forum 21" president Damir Matkovic. The democratisation of electronic media in Croatia is one of the top priorities set by the EU related to re-activating negotiations between the EU and Croatia. The establishment of an independent television remains a priority, Vinther stressed. Vinther told "Forum 21" journalists that the EU would consider possibility of not only political, but also financial support to "Forum 21", as the European Commission had financial means aimed at supporting and assisting free media in Croatia. (hina) jn rm 151518 MET jan 98