US AND EU AWARD CROATIAN ASSOCIATIONS FOR PROMOTING DEMOCRACY

( Editorial: --> 6994 ) ZAGREB, May 27 (Hina) - Croatian associations fighting for freedom of the electronic media, the return of Serb refugees to Croatia and for human rights on Wednesday in Zagreb received awards for the promotion of democracy. Introduced by the European Union and the United States last year, the Democracy and Civil Society Award was given to B.a.B.e (an association for women's human rights), Forum 21 (a group of electronic media journalists) and the Regional Advisory Centres of the Serb Democratic Forum. The awards were given by British Ambassador Colin Munro, US Ambassador William Montgomery and special European Commission envoy Per Vinther. Forum 21 was given the award for bringing the issue of free and independent media to public debate. Free and independent media are crucial for the future of democracy in Croatia, Vinther said giving the award to Forum 21 representative Damir Matkovic. The Serb Democratic Forum successfully organised a network of centres for legal advice and assistance to returnees, Vinther said, thus contributing to the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement and the Erdut agreement on reintegration. The award was received by Forum president Veljko Dzakula. B.a.B.e. (short for Be Active Be Emancipated) has been using education and other activities to encourage women to take on leading roles in politics affecting their lives, said Vinther giving the award to representative Vesna Kesic. This year the Democracy and Civil Society Award was given to 50 organisations and individuals from 26 countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The recipients of the award will receive letters from British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US President Bill Clinton and European Commission President Jacques Santer, British Ambassador Munro said. (hina) ha jn /mbr 271947 MET may 98