GERMAN AMBASSADOR VISITS PRIMORJE COUNTY

( Editorial: --> 3561 ) RIJEKA, May 13 (Hina) - Both the German government and people helped Croatia during the Homeland War, because Germany and Croatia are connected by good relations based on historical, political, cultural and economic similarities, as well as the fact that both countries belong in central Europe, German Ambassador to Croatia, Volker Haak said on Wednesday. Haak visited the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County where he was received by the County Prefect, Milivoj Brozina. On his first official visit to Rijeka, Haak said he wanted to learn more about the economic and other possibilities of the county and ascertain the possibilities of a quicker development of all forms of cooperation. Prefect Brozina said all county leaders follow very closely the activities of German officials in Croatia. "We ask you personally for support in the accession of the Primorje- Gorski Kotar County into the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities," Brozina said. Haak also held talks with representatives of displaced persons in Opatija. He said he wanted to learn all details about their return to their homes. The displaced persons stressed that their return was being hindered by the slow reconstruction of homes, little employment and crediting possibilities and the fact that a significant number of their houses and apartments are still occupied. (hina) lm 131558 MET may 98