CROATIAN DEFENCE MINISTER SATISFIED WITH VISIT TO UNITED STATES

( Editorial: --> 8557 ) ZAGREB, Jan 31 (Hina) - Croatian Defence Minister Gojko Susak arrived in Zagreb on Saturday after a working visit to the United States. A number of bilateral issues had been covered, cooperation between the two countries' armies, support for Croatia's accession into the Partnership for Peace programme, support for the construction of a road from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and financial and other help, so the problem of eastern Slavonia could come to a closure. For the first time there had been no disputes at the State Department regarding the situation in the media and human rights, Susak said upon arrival. Asked how much closer Croatia was to the Partnership for Peace programme, Susak said that it was hard to pinpoint a date, but the joint statement from the State Department clearly stated that the US would support Croatia's admission. Susak added he expected this to happen by the end of the year. Susak stressed he had also held talks with the Deputy US State Secretary Strobe Talbott and NATO Commander for Europe, General Clark, adding that all talks had passed in a friendly and partnerly atmosphere. We have returned home truly satisfied that we found understanding in America, as well as a friend and partner, Susak said. (hina) lm 311413 MET jan 98