CROATIAN & TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD TALKS IN ANKARA

( Editorial: --> 9364 ) ANKARA, March 13 (Hina) - The first round of talks between the Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and his Turkish host Ismail Cem finished on Friday with the signing of a protocol on cooperation between the two foreign ministries and an agreement on cooperation between diplomatic academies. The joint assessment is that the document, together with 13 other signed international agreements, will give a new strong stimulus to the development of political, economic, trade and cultural cooperation between the two friendly countries. It was stressed that Presidents Franjo Tudjman and Suleyman Demirel had given a special contribution to that cooperation, which was a vital factor for peace and security on the wider European territory. The two ministers also discussed the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement and the political situation on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Both ministers agreed that the Dayton agreement should be implemented in full. During a joint press conference, Granic outlined Turkey's unforgettable role in calming the tension and conflict between Muslim Bosniaks and Croats. He said that such a constructive and peace loving role from Turkey would be expected in the future as well. Granic also said that Croatia's entry into Euro-Atlantic organisations presents its key commitment. Turkey had previously expressed its readiness to give support to Croatia's entry into NATO's "Partnership for Peace" program. The two sides also discussed the latest events in Kosovo. Expressing sympathy for the great human loss, Granic and Cem supported the active role of the Contact Group. They said that the solution to the Kosovo problem should be sought within the framework of the existing solutions of the Organisation for European Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Granic and Cem gave great attention to progressing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed the participation of Turkish construction companies in building the Zagreb-Dubrovnik motorway, as well as other economic questions. (hina) jn mrb/rm 131811 MET mar 98