PRESIDENT TUDJMAN MAKES TOUR OF MAKSIMIR STADIUM

ZAGREB, Aug 8 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Sunday visited the reconstructed Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, ahead of tonight's ceremony which will mark the opening of the 2nd World Military Games. "(My) first impressions are excellent", Tudjman said following a tour of the stadium, which now can seat 42,000 visitors and has state boxes and panoramic elevators. Croatia's being awarded the organisation of the 2nd World Military Games is in itself exceptionally important. After the first games in Rome in 1995, the games are now being held in Croatia, which did not have its own army because for centuries it had served others, Tudjman said. He added the event would open the eyes of those who had suspicions about whether Croatia should host such an event. President Tudjman was accompanied by Mayor Marina Matulovic- Dropulic, City Assembly president Zlatko Canjuga, head of the Institution of the 2nd World Military Games, Gen. Josip Lucic, Mirko Novosel of the soccer team 'Croatia', architects, and the heads of companies which carried out reconstruction works. The opening ceremony, to start at 8 pm, will also be attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch. The games will be declared open by President Tudjman. (hina) rml