ZAGREB, Jan 20 (Hina) - "In the past year, 1998, we finally achieved the full sovereignty over the entire internationally recognised territory of the State. This has marked the achievement of the essential goal of our state policy,
and enhanced Croatia's reputation and strengthened its foreign political position," said Croatian President Franjo Tudjman at the beginning of his address on the state of the nation in 1998, at the joint session of both chambers of the Croatian national parliament on Wednesday. Croatia has demonstrated that it is the most important peace factor in this part of Europe by its active policy of peace and cooperation, and in particular by the signing of the Agreement on Special Relations between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Tudjman describing the Agreement on Special Relations as a historic event. Emphasising that 1998 was in particular distinguished
ZAGREB, Jan 20 (Hina) - "In the past year, 1998, we finally achieved
the full sovereignty over the entire internationally recognised
territory of the State. This has marked the achievement of the
essential goal of our state policy, and enhanced Croatia's
reputation and strengthened its foreign political position," said
Croatian President Franjo Tudjman at the beginning of his address
on the state of the nation in 1998, at the joint session of both
chambers of the Croatian national parliament on Wednesday.
Croatia has demonstrated that it is the most important peace factor
in this part of Europe by its active policy of peace and
cooperation, and in particular by the signing of the Agreement on
Special Relations between Croatia and the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, said Tudjman describing the Agreement on Special
Relations as a historic event.
Emphasising that 1998 was in particular distinguished by the second
visit of Pope John Paul II to Croatia and the beatification of
Cardinal Alojz Stepinac, Tudjman added that the Pope's visit was of
a far-reaching historic importance.
"Within the scope of a general evaluation of the past year, the
maintenance of socio-political and economic stability is of the
highest importance," he stressed.
He pointed to problems the Croatian economy is faced with such as
insufficient output and exports, current account deficit, too high
a level of illiquidity, crisis manifestations in the financial-
banking system and a high level of unemployment.
Tudjman's address consists of chapters on the foreign policy and
Croatia's international position, the internal policy, democratic
order and national security, the economy and social activities.
(hina) ms