ISLAMIC COMMUNITY IN CROATIA HOLDS SESSION

ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - The Assembly of the Islamic community in Croatia was held yesterday in Zagreb to decide that the Islamic Community in Croatia was to be established as a public, united and independent religious organization of citizens who freely confess their Islamic faith, the community's leadership said in a statement. The decision was made after the former Islamic community in the region had been dissolved, and the Islamic Community in Bosnia- Herzegovina was reestablished, while a new Islamic community in formed in Slovenia. The work of the Islamic Community in Croatia would be in line with the principles of this religion grounded on the Koran and Sunnte Muhammed. The Community would follow the spiritual leadership of Reis Ul Ulema based in Sarajevo, according to the statement. It adopted the Statute at yesterday's session. It decided to send a request to Croatian relevant authorities, the Croatian Army and other institutions to respect Islamic members' religious rights and freedom of practicing their rituals and customs, especially as regards food, the statement, signed by the Islamic Community's head Salim Sabic, concluded. (hina) mms 081551 MET jan 95