CROATIAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT MEETS NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL

ZAGREB, March 16 (Hina) - President of the Croatian National Parliament Zlatko Tomcic on Wednesday held talks with NATO Secretary-General, George Robertson, about activities surrounding Croatia's near accession into NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme. Robertson applauded the recent political changes in Croatia and said projects were being drawn up and other steps taken aimed at Croatia's joining the Partnership for Peace Programme and NATO, the Parliament's Public Relations Office said. Robertson accentuated the importance of the Parliament in stimulating the Government in the realisation of defence goals. Assessing Croatia had good potential for overall development, he pointed out expectations in relation to Croatia's role in the stabilisation of the entire region. Tomcic informed Robertson about the political situation and economic difficulties in Croatia. He stressed the importance of a new policy towards Bosnia- Herzegovina and the return of refugees and displaced persons. NATO's Secretary-General has been on a one-day visit to Croatia Thursday, during which he held talks with Croatia's most senior officials, and will hold talks with President Stipe Mesic. (hina) lml jn