LONDON-ZAGREB (EJP)---Croatia’s president-elect Ivo Josipovic has acknowledged the need to fight anti-Semitism in his country, during a phone conversation especially arranged earlier this week with Rabbi Yitzchok Schochet of London.

The rabbi called him on behalf of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe (RCE).

Rabbi Schochet told the new president:"It is an honour and a privilege to extend to you the heartiest congratulations for your election victory on behalf of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe and all the rabbis of Europe, and especially on behalf of the rabbis in Croatia."

The RCE represents over seven hundred rabbis and Jewish communities throughout the European continent.

The organisation works to improve religious services and facilities, such as providing financial and professional assistance for the construction of mikvehs (ritual baths), offering guidelines and advice on various issues.

It is in regular contact with European leaders and governments about issues of concern to the Jewish community.

Rabbi Schochet stressed to Josipovic that the RCE "looks forward to continuing the cordial relationship with the Croatian government."

The RCE has regularly met with the Prime Minister and President of Croatia to discuss matters such as the preservation of cemeteries and anti-Semitism. "We are looking to you to continue the good work in this regard and other matters of mutual concern," the  rabbi said.

Although Croatia has clamped down on the rise of neo-Nazism, there are still attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions in the country.

Around 3,000 Jews live in Croatia.

Josipovic acknowledged the need to fight anti-Semitism and expressed his willingness to continue the cooperation with the RCE and the local rabbis.

A 52-year-old law expert and classical music composer, Ivo Josipovic won last Sunday's runoff presidential vote in this former Yugoslav country, beating popular Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic.

A Social Democrat, Josipovic is expected to get along well with Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor's government. Both say they want to root out corruption and carry out other reforms to make Croatia the 28th member of the European Union by 2012.