SESSION OF PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL OF DEFENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY

ZAGREB, Sep 7 (Hina) - A session of the Presidential Council of Defence and National Security was held today under the chairmanship of President Franjo Tudjman. A statement issued after the session says that the Council discussed current issues regarding Holy Father's visit to Croatia. Many pilgrims from other countries are expected to arrive in Zagreb, so that a procedure of crossing the Croatian border will be simplified, but all necessary safety measures will be respected. Reports on diplomatic activities for a settlement of the Bosnian crisis were submitted at the session. Considering that problem, the Contact Group's views were discussed. The Council was informed about the course of the implementation of the agreement on the Croat-Bosniac Federation and a confederation with Croatia. A meeting between the leadership of the Republic of Croatia and the political and Church leadership of the Bosnian Croats will be held in Zagreb on 12 September at President Tudjman's initiative. On 13 September, the Croatian leadership will meet with the political leadership of Bosnia- Herzegovina. The Council discussed bills on changes of the Law on the organization of the Croatian Government. The national ministry of strategic development and reconstruction, led by a Deputy Prime Minister, is expected to be formed, as well as the special ministry of privatization. The ministry of culture and education is to be divided into two ministries, and a special agency for environmental protection is to be established. Within the ministry of maritime affairs, transport and communications, maritime affairs will be of great importance. The Government's intention is to intensify its work by the new organization. The Council concluded at today's session that the Court for human rights should be established as soon as possible, said the statement. (hina) mm ks 072137 MET sep 94