CRO FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH MONTENEGRO CROATS

( Editorial: --> 2868 ) ZAGREB, Feb 18 (Hina) - Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic on Wednesday in Zagreb held talks with Croat representatives from Boka Kotorska (Montenegro) about their situation in Boka and their efforts in preserving Croatian cultural heritage. According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Minister Granic stated that Croatia is following events in Boka Kotorska and Montenegro with great interest and that the Republic of Croatia has already decided to open a General-Consulate in Boka which would help in preserving the cultural identity of Boka Croats. Croatia is advocating that a border crossing between Montenegro and Croatia be opened as soon as possible, said Granic. In the statement Granic said that in the continuing process of normalising relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia the protection of minorities on both sides will be high on the agenda. (hina) jn mrb 181608 MET feb 98