"DAYS OF RETURN ERNESTINOVO 97" ART COLONY OPENS IN E. CROATIA

ERNESTINOVO, Aug 30 (Hina) - The "Days of Return Ernestinovo 97" 24th art colony was opened in Ernestinovo, eastern Croatia, on Saturday evening, with the intonation of the Croatian national anthem and homage-paying to all who died in a long-standing battle for Croatia's survival. The art colony was opened by Croatian Culture Minister Bozo Biskupic. Also in attendance were parliament vice president Vladimir Seks, UN transitional administrator for the Danube region William Walker, Osijek-Baranja County prefect Branimir Glavas, and Djakovo- Srijem bishop Marin Srakic. Expressing satisfaction with the fact that "culture is returning to the place where its roots are", Culture Minister Biskupic thanked all who assisted in organizing the art colony in Ernestinovo for the first time in six years. Prefect Glavas recalled that "last year we opened the colony in Osijek, whereas now we are in Ernestinovo". "This is another proof that the peaceful reintegration process is nearing end", he added. In the next three days, 31 artists will work in wood and on canvas. Their creations will be given to the Petar Smajic Ernestinovo art association. Bishop Srakic recalled that days of return also stood for spiritual and cultural rebirth. (hina) ha 302124 MET aug 97