SPEECHES OF VALENTIC AND ANDREATTA IN BRTONIGLA

BRTONIGLA, March 5 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Nikica Valentic and Italian Foreign Minister Beniamina Andreatta ceremonially opened by their speeches the club building of the Italian Community in the town of Brtonigla, near Buje in Istria. Building of the club was financed by the Italian government giving funds of one billion liras. The ceremonial opening of the building was attended by the Croatian Foreign Minister, Dr. Mate Granic, the Croatian Minister of Culture and Education, Vesna Girardi-Jurkic and other high Croatian and Italian government officials. Croatian Premier Valentic and Italian Foreign Minister pointed out on this occasion that "Brtonigla is a town that can show to others how the coexistence between people of different nationalities can be developed. This is the real bridge of cooperation and friendship between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Italy." Prime Minister Valentic added that the Croatian Government would continue to carry out its commitments in the development of the peninsula of Istria and its municipalities and towns such as Brtonigla. He underlined that the Italian national minority in Croatia presented the particular links with Italy and played important role in improving the relations of Croatia with the neighbouring Republic of Italy. Commenting on the current political developments and the fact that Croatia is encountering the fourth war year, Prime Minister Valentic expressed hopes that the war was reaching an end, and he also expressed gratitude to the Republic of Italy and its diplomats for their involvement in seeking a solution to the crisis on these territories. In his speech Italian Foreign Minister Andreatta reiterated the importance and responsibility of the Italian national minority in Croatia and said "It is great wealth of this region, and on behalf of the Italian Government I can promise that we will continue our cooperation and assistance." 052128 MET mar 94