YELTSIN EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON OCCASION OF TUDJMAN'S PASSING

ZAGREB, Dec 11 (Hina) - Russian President Boris Yeltsin on Saturday forwarded to Croatian parliament president and acting President of the Republic Vlatko Pavletic condolences on the occasion of the passing of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman. "With deep regret I received the news of the death of the prominent state leader of the Republic of Croatia, the first president of the country, Franjo Tudjman," Yeltsin said in his telegram which was submitted to Hina by the Russian Embassy in Zagreb. "President Franjo Tudjman was known here as an active supporter of the development of all-round relations with the Russian Federation, and as a man who was genuinely sympathetic towards our country, who loved and knew well Russia's culture. Moscow remembers and appreciates his great personal contribution to the victory over fascism during World War Two," read the telegram. President Yeltsin recalled his meetings with the late Croatian president in Moscow in May, 1995 and December, 1998, which he said "helped in the establishment and strengthening of ties between Russia and Croatia, and led to the signing of the joint Declaration on Friendly Relations and Cooperation." "I am convinced that our efforts towards the strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between Russia and Croatia will continue successfully to the benefit of the peoples of both countries," the telegram concluded. (hina) ha mm