INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY CONFERENCE FINISHES IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Feb 13 (Hina) - The two-day international conference titled 'Strengthening Democracy', ended last night in Zagreb. Some 60 representatives from civil groups, independent media and non-government organisations from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Slovenia and Vojvodonja, as well as 30 representatives from American and West European organisations and foundations, took part in the conference, organised by the 'Erasmus Guild' in Zagreb and the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Organisers claim the conference achieved its aim - 'to establish communication between civil and non-government organisations'. A statement from conference participants agreed that such a conference provided moral and practical support for strengthening democracy in this part of Europe. 'We believe that independent states can best ensure their international legitimacy if they respect human rights - and the right to free speech and organisation,' conference participants said. (hina) jn sd 131239 MET feb 95