PARLIAMENTARY PRESIDENT VISITS WAR RAVAGED SOUTHERN MUNICIPALITY

( Editorial: --> 2863 ) DUBROVNIK, Aug 10 (Hina) - Croatian National Parliament President Vlatko Pavletic arrived in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County on Monday to be informed of the latest situation in the fire war ravaged region. He first inspected fire scenes in Croatia's southernmost municipality of Konavle, where he was accompanied by the County's government-appointed commissioner Luka Siljeg, Konavle municipal head Luka Korda and Dubrovnik-Neretva Police Department deputy chief Milan Reza. Pavletic said he was proud of those who under the most difficult conditions prevented homes in the area from being destroyed by the flames and that everyone engaged in the effort deserved recognition. "We have to improve technology, increase the number of Canadairs and other things in the organisation of fire protection so that we can await the next season by being prepared as much as possible," he said. Following Konavle, the Parliament President left for the southern Adriatic islands of Lastovo and Korcula, where fires are still burning, and his visit will end with an inspection of fire devastation on the Peljesac peninsula. (Hina) mbr 101543 MET aug 98