The southern Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik on Wednesday began celebrations of its day and the day of its saint patron Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise) with a special session of the City Council.
In attendance was Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor who said that she was glad to be in a city that set the model how to respect the others.
She paid her respects to Croatian war veterans to whom, she said, the greatest credit went for Croatia's freedom and its path towards the European Union.
Speaking of the activities of her cabinet, she said that the government's priorities were to complete the EU accession negotiations and to ensure the national economy's recovery.
In this context she mentioned some good trends such as a 18-percent rise in Croatia's exports in 2010 and a mild GDP upturn.
Kosor reiterated a pledge to continue with the anti-corruption campaign and create conditions for a successful tourist season this year.
She spoke about projects for the Dubrovnik area such as the Plat Plat sub-station and the Ombla hydro power plant.
Dubrovnik Mayor Andro Vlahusic said that the city would continue with its economic development and added that in 2010 the number of overnight stays in Dubrovnik had increased by 14 percent on the year.
The Festivity of St Blaise starts this afternoon with a traditional ceremony of releasing doves as a symbol of peace in front of the Church of St Blaise.
A white flag bearing the insignia of St Blaise will be hoisted on the 15th century Orlando's Column.
