PRINCE RAINIER III OPENS 35TH CIESM CONGRESS IN CROATIA

( Editorial: --> 8092 ) CAVTAT, June 1 (Hina) - Rainier III Prince of Monaco Monday opened the 35th Congress of the International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea (CIESM), which takes place in the southern port of Cavtat. The congress, which closes June 5, gathers some 500 scientists from CIESM member-countries who will exchange the latest experience and results in a research on the sustainable development of the Mediterranean area, including the Adriatic Sea. The congress is held under the high patronage of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. As a common heritage, the Mediterranean Sea requires additional attention, Prince Rainier said opening the congress. Welcoming the participants on behalf of President Tudjman, Science and Technology Minister Ivica Kostovic recalled a systematic exploration of the Adriatic Sea was one of the foundations of Croatia's development strategy. The responsibility for the condition of the Mediterranean ecological system is great and has to be shared by all countries, he said. The congress will include 15 round tables and several systematically prepared meetings. Talks will cover all scientific disciplines, the latest technical methods used in sea exploration, goal projects. Work on a CIESM atlas will also be presented. (hina) ha jn 011730 MET jun 98