GOJKO SUSAK HOLDS SPEECH AT HDZ PARTY CONVENTION

( Editorial: --> 3694 ) ZAGREB, Feb 21 (Hina) - Deputy president of the Croatian Democratic Union party (HDZ) stressed in his speech at the fourth party convention in Zagreb on Saturday, that "today, as in 1990, Croatia needs just as strong a common point of connection and a clear strategy of further development". A peace-time strategy of further development is our priority and long-term interest, Susak said in his speech entitled "Integration of the Croatian National Being". This strategy, according to Susak, meant the implementation of a purposeful economic development and a carefully thought-out social programme. Susak especially commented on the role of Croatian emigrants in the establishment and development of the Croatian state, and expressed wish for them to return to their homeland in as many numbers as possible. Susak defined the protection of the Croatian minority in other countries according to the principle of reciprocity as one of very important tasks of the Croatian government and diplomacy. He especially spoke about the position of and care for Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, advocating that this country be a union of three equal peoples. Susak also called for an end to the further emigration of Croats and a speedier return of those who had had to leave. Susak reiterated his support to the Washington and Dayton agreements, the building of the Bosnian Federation and the cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) He said that the Croatian state policy would, in this year, continue to provide full support to the international community in the strengthening of civilian institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Bosnian Federation, the strengthening of relations between civilian and military structures, the return of refugees, more objective reporting by the federal media, the strengthening of economic cooperation and equal participation of Croats in embassies and consulates. "Without all this there will be no peace, stability or trust among (the peoples)," he stressed, adding that Croatia would exert efforts to shed light on the exodus of Croats from central Bosnia. The Croat side insists on issues on responsibility for war crimes against Croats in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Susak said. (hina) lm jn 212244 MET feb 98