FOREIGN MINISTRY: AMBASSADOR DAVORIN RUDOLF RELIEVED OF DUTY

ZAGREB, Aug 21 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic relieved of duty Croatia's Ambassador to Italy Davorin Rudolf on Monday. The decision to replace Rudolf, Croatia's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Italy, based in Rome, was adopted at the proposal of Foreign Minister Tonino Picula and goes into force on August 21 2000, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement today. Assistant Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkovic Kurelec today handed the President's decision to Rudolf at the Foreign Ministry. Until a new ambassador to Italy is appointed, Rudolf's duties will be taken over by the charge d'affaires at the Croatian embassy in Rome. Cvjetkovic Kurelec today informed a diplomatic representative at the Italian embassy in Zagreb about Rudolf's replacement. Rudolf was ambassador to Italy since November 1 1993. Today's issue of the 'Novi list' daily reports that Rudolf arrived in Zagreb for consultations today at the invitation of Foreign Minister Picula. The reason for the invitation was Rudolf's refusal to resign after criticising the recent replacement of 35 Croatian ambassadors and consuls, the daily says. Rudolf was one of the replaced ambassadors. Rudolf accused Picula of having carried out a purge among Croatian ambassadors. The foreign minister resolutely dismissed the claim, asking the ambassador to immediately resign and when Rudolf refused it, he was withdrawn for consultations. (hina) jn rml