PRIME MINISTER MATESA VISITED KORCULA

( Editorial: --> 3364 ) SMOKVICA, 13 Aug (Hina) - Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa visited the settlements of Cara and Blato on Korcula island on Wednesday. Matesa was accompanied by Interior Minister Ivan Penic and members of the Government Crisis Committee. The government officials met in Smokvica with the Korcula municipal heads and commanders of all fire brigades engaged in battling the fire. The fire on Korcula is very serious because it is determined by constant changes in the direction of the wind. This causes enormous difficulties for firefighters, Matesa said. About 700 firefighters, aided by seven Canadair planes and special planes from Italy, are trying to contain the fire. The Interior Ministry, professional fire brigades, Croatian army and local residents are doing all they can to prevent the fire from spreading on facilities and jeopardise human lives and property, Matesa said. Once the fire is extinguished, we will assess the damage, Matesa said. (hina) rml 131255 MET aug 98