PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION DEPARTS FOR SLOVAK TOUR

( Editorial: --> 8626 ) ZAGREB, July 19 (Hina) - A multi-party Croatian parliamentary delegation left Zagreb on Sunday for a five-day official visit to the Slovak Republic. Croatian National Parliament President Vlatko Pavletic, who heads the delegation, told reporters before departure that this was a return visit to continue discussions on bilateral relations, similar problems and future cooperation. As well "ahead of elections in Slovakia there reigns a special atmosphere, so it will be interesting to talk with representatives of individual parties and get their thoughts on the immediate future of their country", Pavletic told reporters at Zagreb airport. Besides meeting Slovak Parliament President Ivan Gasparovic, who invited the delegation, it is expected the Croatian MPs will hold talks with Slovak Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar as well as members of several parliamentary committees. The Croatian parliamentarians will also visit areas where the Croat minority live and discuss their problems, even though Pavletic said "we know that the Croat minority there is in a good position and they experience all minority rights". (Hina) mbr /ha 191653 MET jul 98