TUDJMAN: NEW ERA IN CROATIA'S DEVELOPMENT BEGINS

( Editorial: --> 4823 ) ZAGREB, Jan 15 (Hina) - A celebration staged to mark the full reintegration of the Danube river region of eastern Croatia into the constitutional and legal order of Croatia and the successful completion of the UN peace mission ended Thursday evening with a cocktail party in the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. In attendance were Croatian President Franjo Tudjman and numerous dignitaries. Asked to say what tomorrow had in store for Croatia, President Tudjman said Croatia finally had full state sovereignty over its whole territory. This means, he said, a new era in Croatia's development, when Croatia will be able to concentrate on economic and cultural development and stronger international cooperation. Pointing out that 15 January is linked with the international recognition of Croatia, President Tudjman was especially satisfied that today he had been able to welcome former Italian President Francesco Cossiga, who was the first foreign statesman to officially visit Croatia after its international recognition. This, Tudjman said, indicated deep friendship between Croatia and Italy. According to Cossiga, who was also in attendance this evening, today was the day of the full integration of Croatian territory and the beginning of a new era of Croatia's integration in Europe. He hoped Croatia would enter the European community and European and Atlantic institutions as soon as possible. (hina) ha 152350 MET jan 98