TUDJMAN RECEIVES INTERIOR MINISTRY DELEGATION

ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - On the occasion of Police Day and the Day of St Michael, the patron saint of police, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Wednesday received an Interior Ministry delegation, led by Minister Ivan Penic. Extending his best wishes to all members of the police on the occasion of Police Day and expressing gratitude for their contribution in defending Croatia during the Homeland War, President Tudjman stressed the importance of their role. "We are in the election year and elections are important, not so much for the sake of authorities, but for the sake of preserving Croatia's freedom and independence", Tudjman said. The Interior Ministry has to be even more successful in preserving the social and constitutional and legal order and prevent possible incidents, which are being planned by those who want to destabilise Croatia, he added. Warning about the difficulties caused by the transition from the communist system into democracy and the consequences of the aggression against Croatia as well as the side-effects of civilisation, such as drug abuse, Tudjman said he expected the Croatian police to be even more successful in its activities. On behalf of all Interior Ministry members, Minister Penic pledged commitment and allegiance to the Croatian Constitution and President Tudjman's policy. Penic said 813 police officers were killed and another 3,524 were wounded during the Serb aggression, whereas 78 are held missing. He expressed readiness on behalf of the Interior Ministry to face all challenges in preserving peace and order to the benefit of all Croatian citizens and thanked Tudjman for his support and understanding for the work of the police. (hina) jn rml