CROATIAN GOVERNMENT WILL HELP SPLIT, PREMIER VALENTIC SAYS

SPLIT, May 7 (Hina) - Attending the celebration of Split's day and Patron Saint 'St. Duje' in the city's theatre last night Croatian Premier, as the special envoy of President Tudjman, conveyed the President's message to the gathered guests and representatives of Split. President Tudjman is the sponsor of ten-year-long celebrations to mark 1700th anniversary of the establishment of this Croatian city and seaport. Premier Valentic also conveyed messages from Croatia's capital of Zagreb, and from newly liberated Pakrac, Okucani and other towns in western Slavonia. In his speech Valentic said the Croatian people were now living in dangerous tomes, and they had great responsibility for maintaining their own state, which had been created with much difficulty. He emphasized the meritorious service of Split in struggles and efforts for the establishment of the independent Republic of Croatia. The Premier added that the Croatian Government was supposed to help Split and it would assist the city. Split Mayor Nikola Grabic presented a project "Split 1700" which aim is that Split may enter the year of 2005 as a modern European urban centre and a main seaport in Mediterranean. The celebration in the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) of Split was attended by Foreign Minister Mate Granic, Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic, Trade Minister Nadan Vidosevic, Tourism Minister Niko Bulic, Croatian Navy's commander, Admiral Sveto Letica, along with many other senior officials of the Republic of Croatia and Split-Dalmatia County, as well as numerous cultural workers, artists and representatives of Roman Catholic Church. (hina) mms 071112 MET may 95