TUDJMAN VISITS CROATIAN PAVILION AT WORLD EXHIBITION IN LISBON

( Editorial: --> 9515 ) LISBON, June 7 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman Sunday visited the Croatian pavilion at the Expo 98 world exhibition in Lisbon, on the occasion of marking Croatia's national day, June 7. After visiting the pavilion, Tudjman said he understood why the visitors' book contained so many complimentary comments. The President suggested that the pavilion's authors transfer its exhibits to Zagreb once the Lisbon exhibition ends. "(...) let it be an attraction for Croatian people and those who come to Croatia", he said. Asked about the efficacy of Expo 98 in connecting peoples, President Tudjman said it was difficult to say, but was indisputable that such exhibitions were positive. "Of course they cannot resolve the problems of the modern world, but they certainly (help) peoples get acquainted and promote the idea of cooperation among peoples", Tudjman said. He emphasised the exhibition way very useful for Croatia and its affirmation in the world, given that many said the Croatian pavilion was one of the best at this year's exhibition. Entitled "The Croatian Adriatic - A Sea Preserved for the Future, Croatia - A Nature Reserve in the Heart of Europe", the Croatian pavilion was put together by Branko Siladjin and Ivica Vidovic. Under the glass-covered floor, the Adriatic sea-water presents the sunken remains of a 2000-year-old Liburnian ship and antique amphorae. The exhibits are divided according to several topics. Guests may see archaeological discoveries, maps of the Croatian coastline made between the 12th and 20th centuries, paintings of Croatian ports made between the 15th and 19th centuries, and models of Croatian ships from the 10th through the 19th century. The pavilion also offers photographs of Croatian motifs by Ivan Pervan and Boris Ljubicic, and a ten-minute documentary film by director Vinko Bresan about Croatia's maritime, natural, architectural and cultural heritage and the tradition and way of life on the Croatian coast. The organisers of Disney World from Orlando, Florida, have decided to invite the Croatian pavilion to be staged at an end of millennium exhibition. (hina) ha 071506 MET jun 98