TUDJMAN WATCHES TIJARDOVIC'S OPERETTA AT SPLIT SUMMER FESTIVAL

SPLIT, July 21 (Hina) - Croatia's President Franjo Tudjman, accompanied by his family and aides, was present at Tuesday evening's performance of Ivo Tijardovic's operetta "Splitski Akvarel (Split's Water Colour") in the renovated south-eastern part of the Diocletian Palace in Split. This three-hour-long operetta was played within the 45th Split Summer Festival, which is being held under Tudjman's auspices. After the end of the play, Tudjman voiced satisfaction with the performance. "I watched 'Splitski Akvarel' for the first time and it delighted me" Tudjman told reporters adding that this work by Tijardovic is an excellent example of the Croatian art. Commenting on a journalist's statement that he frequently comes to the Split Summer Festival, Tudjman said he "has got to like coming in Split because of the city itself as well as because of Dalmatia which is the cradle of Croathood." I like coming in Split because of everything that this city meant and means in Croatian history and culture, Tudjman explained. After the operetta, Tudjman had a conversation with actors, the play's director Kresimir Dolencic, the Split Festival's director, Rade Perkovic, and many public figures. (hina) ms