CROAT & EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATIONS DISCUSS MEDIA FREEDOMS

( Editorial: --> 8914 ) BRUSSELS, 2 Feb (Hina) - A Croatian delegation and a European Parliament delegation discussed the freedom of media in Croatia at a meeting in Brussels on Monday. The European Parliament in December last year adopted a resolution in which it condemns "attacks by the Croatian government, by lawful and other means, on independent non-government organisations and media". Doris Pack, President of the European Parliament's delegation for Relations with South-East Europe, said the purpose of today's meeting was to discuss issues which were then presented in Parliament. Mentioning the issue of state television in Croatia which is trying to adapt to a democracy in transition, Pack showed understanding for Croatia's special case as it had endured years of war. It was difficult in that situation to promote critical journalism, she said. "Today as friends of a country that has achieved unity, we wish to help Croatia in democratisation", she added. Along with Pack and members of the European Parliament delegation at the first working session of the two day meeting, also present was the representative of the European Commission, Hans Joerg Kretschmer, who is head of the department for countries of the former Yugoslavia and Albania. (hina) mrb jn 021932 MET feb 98