CROATIAN PREMIER RECEIVES ROMANY REPRESENTATIVES

ZAGREB, July 18 (Hina) - Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa on Friday received representatives of the Croatian Association of Romanies and the participants of the Summer School of Croatian Romany Youth, the Croatian Government's Communications Office said in a statement. According to the statement, "the talks pointed out problems related to the existential and cultural being of Romanies in Croatia. It was pointed out that these problems were the result of (being marginalized for centuries), and that the solution to the position of the Romany community in Croatia could be ensured in the long run only through the system's institutions. These problems refer to the urbanization of Romany settlements, the education of youth, employment, social and health care. These are primary problems which must be solved in view of an effective integration of the Romany community into society and the advancement of their position. In order for the Romanies to retain their culture and language, and thus keep their own being, a systematic assistance on the part of the state is necessary, the association's representatives concluded". Croatia's prime minister expressed the Government's understanding for the problems of the Romany community, the statement said. Matesa pointed out the Government was ready to support projects such as the organization of optional Romany language study at schools and the issuance of papers in Romany. Matesa also said the possibility of solving problems related to the urbanization of settlements would be discussed, the Croatian Government's statement concluded. (hina) ha 181836 MET jul 97