PRESIDENT TUDJMAN RECEIVES LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM CHIRAC

ZAGREB, Jan 29 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Friday received a letter from French counterpart Jacques Chirac, who expressed best wishes for Croatia to achieve new successes in reconstruction, development, and approaching the European Union (EU). According to a statement from Tudjman's Office, Chirac in his letter expressed France's support to Croatia in doing so. Chirac wished for "new and outstanding successes in Croatia in the efforts it has courageously and resolutely undertaken towards reconstruction and development after achieving independence." "I wish for significant progress in approaching the EU to be achieved this year, and you may count on France's full support in all steps the Government in Zagreb will take to facilitate that aim, as well as in all initiatives by which Croatia will confirm its key role in the implementation of peace agreements in the region," the French President said in the letter. President Chirac further expressed his belief that the implementation of major Croatian-French economy projects, in which France's most successful companies are interested, was the best way for a lasting strengthening of ties between the two countries and the creation of genuine partnership. (hina) ha