5 APRIL - DAY OF NATIONAL MOURNING IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, April (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman tonight chaired a Government session on the tragic plane crash near Dubrovnik in which U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald Brown, members of the U.S. delegation, their entourage, the crew of the U.S. plane and two Croatian nationals were killed. The session was also attended by U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Peter Galbraith. #L# At the beginning of the session, the gathered paid respect to the killed by observing a minute of silence. The news on the tragic fate of the U.S. delegation was received in Croatia with deep sadness, President Tudjman said, opening the session. The session heard reports on the course of events after it had been reported that the plane went missing as well as on all activities that followed after it. The session heard reports by Premier Zlatko Matesa, Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Communications, Zeljko Luzavec, Interior Minister Ivan Jarnjak and Defence Minister Gojko Susak. The session accepted President Tudjman's proposal that 5 April be proclaimed a day of national mourning. All public entertainment events will be postponed and other public and sports events will start with a minute of silence for the victims. Flags will be lowered at half staff. The valediction ceremony will be held in Dubrovnik in the presence of President Tudjman and representatives of the highest Croatian authorities. Tonight's session of the Croatian Government also decided that the commemoration in the United States would be attended by Premier Zlatko Matesa, Croatian Ambassador to the United States Miomir Zuzul, Economy Minister Davor Stern and Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Simonovic. (hina) rm jn 042240 MET apr 96