PRESIDENT TUDJMAN RETURNS IN CROATIA FROM SOUTH AFRICA

ZAGREB, June 19 (Hina) - Croatia's President Franjo Tudjman on Saturday returned in Zagreb after a three-day visit to the South African Republic where he had attended the ceremonial inauguration of the new South African President Thabo Mbeki. In a short statement he gave upon his arrival in Zagreb, Tudjman particularly pointed to his meetings with Croats in Johannesburg and Cape Town describing them as "very impressive and cordial". "Croatian immigrants in the South African Republic are in a special position. They have achieved considerable economic results which they cannot easily give up, but they are thinking of leaving because of certain circumstances in that country," Tudjman said adding that especially young people showed the wish to come back to Croatia. Speaking of his impressions from the South African Republic, the Croatian President described that country as "interesting" adding that although a good police was being led, the state was faced with such problems which would take longer time for resolution. At the airport of Zagreb, Tudjman was welcomed by Premier Zlatko Matesa, President of the National Parliament, Vlatko Pavletic, and other high-ranking Croatian officials. (hina) ms