US ENVOY GELBARD MEETS "FORUM 21" MEMBERS & ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP

( Editorial: --> 3262 ) ZAGREB, March 29 (Hina) - Croatia rightfully wants to become a full member of Euro-Atlantic institutions, but to achieve it, it has to meet certain standards, such as freedom of expression and independent judiciary, said Robert Gelbard, special US envoy, following his meeting with members of "Forum 21" on Sunday. Ţhe meeting was held behind closed doors. The United States considers freedom of expression and independent judiciary to be the two most important aspects of a democratic society, said Gelbard. It is obvious that Croatia has to make progress in these two areas, Gelbard said adding that these two questions would continue to be of great importance in the American-Croatian relations. Asked what concrete steps Croatia should take, Gelbard mentioned the opening of electronic media and TV and radio concessions, as well as some problems concerning the press. The US government is shocked at the speed of initiating legal proceedings in cases which, in our opinion, do not deserve it, said Gelbard. Croatian judiciary has to abide by the generally recognised international standards, he added. Croatia is a member of the Council of Europe and has to respect its standards, said Gelbard. The president of "Forum 21" and Croatian Television reporter Damir Matkovic said members of "Forum 21" presented the content of their resolution on transforming the complete electronic media sector and reminded Gelbard of their proposal for a legal change. Before meeting "Forum 21" members, Gelbard met Zagreb Archbishop Josip Bozanic, with whom, the US envoy said, he had "a very pleasant" meeting. Gelbard and Bozanic discussed Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. (hina) rm 292159 MET mar 98