pment, or Slovakias independence. In his report, Hudec stressed the importance of shaping Regional Cultural Centers, instructional centers, and a system for transferring more than 200 cultural institutions under the direct administration of Culture Ministry. He says that several transforming countries were interested in this system, which proves its qualities. He said the basic priority of his department was care for the national cultural heritage and the development of regional culture. In this concern, he also welcomed the shaping of the new territorial-administrative arrangement of Slovakia, within which the regional cultural centers were helpful. Hudec also emphasized that his department was helpful in lifting the national consciousness and underscored the position of Matica Slovenska as a dominant national institute.