DR. OTTO VON HABSBURG VISITS KARLOVAC

KARLOVAC, May 21 (Hina) - Dr. Otto von Habsburg, a European Parliament member, visited Karlovac, 50 kms south of Zagreb, on Saturday. The visit of Otto von Habsburg, who is the first honorary citizen of Karlovac and whose ancestors established this Croatian town 417 years ago, was organized by Croatian Pan-European Union. The eminent guest was welcomed by Karlovac Mayor Ivan Benic, County Prefect Josip Jakovcic, county deputies to the Parliament, cultural workers and the Catholic Church dignitaries. Mayor Benic thanked Dr. Otto von Habsburg for all he had done for Croatia and Karlovac. Delivering a speech in the town's historical public record office Dr. Habsburg said he was glad to be again in Karlovac. Dr. Habsburg added that he admired the citizens' efforts for defending the town and the homeland from the aggression and highly appreciated the town's assistance in providing some 17,000 displaced people with housed sheltering. Dr. Habsburg emphasized that Croatia, that belongs to the Western civilization, should become a European Union member-state, for this is in the interest of both Croatia and Europe. (hina) mms 211001 MET may 95