CONFERENCE ON FREEDOM OF MEDIA IN CROATIA OPENS IN OSIJEK

OSIJEK, Feb 28 (Hina) - A conference on freedom of the media in Croatia began in the eastern city of Osijek on Friday with a plenary session. The conference has been organized by the Council of Europe's Embassy of Local Democracy in Osijek, the European Movement Croatia and the City of Osijek, with support from the Council of Europe and the UN High Commission for Refugees. European Movement Croatia secretary general Ljubomir Cucic said in his opening remarks that the aim of the gathering was to discuss the state of the freedom of the media in Croatia, draw attention to possible obstacles and point out prospects for change. Cucic said that the aim of the conference also was to make a contribution to the peaceful reintegration of the UN-administered Danube region into Croatia. The head of the Croatian government public relations office, Milovan Baletic, said that society as a whole should fight for democracy. Emphasizing his intention to fight against violence over journalists, Baletic however warned that violence by journalists, commentators and columnists against political and public figures should be prevented. Croatian Journalists' Association president Jagoda Vukusic said that one of the most important problems was the attitude of journalists to their profession and status. The participants include journalists of the Croatian media and those from the UN-administered region, and conclusions of the conference will be sent to the Croatian government and relevant bodies of the Council of Europe. (hina) vm jn 281546 MET feb 97